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Deal Middle School

Public | 6-8 | 1168 students

We are best known for our commitment to academics through our IB program.
 
 
 

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Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
Based on 3 ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 1 rating

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19 reviews of this school


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Posted yesterday

Most teachers and staff are well educated and encourage me to try my very hardest. The teachers give a reasonable amount of homework. Alice Deal offers many after school clubs. The reason I did not give my middle school a higher rating is because, at sometimes this school can have it's negatives. Being a girl at Alice Deal be prepared to face the wrath of Dress Code. For girls, you cannot show any type of bra strap or cleavage. Which is harder than you think! If your bra strap is accidentally shown on your shoulder you have to change in your gym uniform or one from the lost and found! Same with cleavage, lately they told us we are going on our annual field trip to King's Dominion!!! But they bombed on the girls a day before that you are not allowed to wear bikinis. This did not bother me that much... But the reason did. It is because they do not want to see our skin and stomach, yet the boys are wearing swim trunks which shows their skin and their stomach.... Also, Deal has just received trailers for the expansion, yet the bathrooms do not have a place to dispose of female napkins, you have to walk outside to throw it away. Overall, education wise this is a good school!


Posted December 21, 2012

i go to deal, and i have to say, it is really amazing. i am in 6th grade, and the transition was easy, and all of the teachers are great. in addition to having language choices and great classes, the administrators and teachers still find time for things like winter assemblys. the only problem is some kids are really annoying and that can stop classes, but the teachers deal with it remarkably well. i totally recommend deal!


Posted April 28, 2012

Alice Deal Middle School is an excellent middle school, and could even be called the best public middle in D.C. The teachers are fantastic, as well as the staff, who are, despite being busy, never mind having a chat with a parent or student! The education is challenging but rewarding, leaving many students with feelings of accomplishment after each year. My own son has improved his B- average grades in elementary school to an A average at Deal! However, there are a few issues that could be resolved with a few tweaks. There are many students at Deal, and many students are not from the surrounding communities. This means bullying is a prevalent issue, along with language among students and misbehavior. But these are small issues, besides the second one. Almost every day my son comes home and as he does his homework, he tells me about how many "ghetto" students use extremely foul language, and how lots of teachers don't do anything about it. he also tells me that they talk about inappropriate subjects, which I have experience first-hand while visiting once. If teachers and staff would pay more attention to this, I believe the issue would be solved. Deal rocks!! :)
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 4, 2012

im going to this school next year (7th grade) and a lot of my friends parents say this is a great school !!! they have many sports and extra-curricular activities. also their test scores are fantastic and they are a very diverse school


Posted June 8, 2011

I want to congratulate Alice Deal's all teachers, staff and principal! I have two kids in 7th and 8th grades and I am very happy with the school, because it has excellent teachers, a strong leadership and relevant academic programs that really help to my kids. Congratulations for your work!!! Jose Marquez.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 17, 2010

My child is a 7th grader at Deal and absolutely loves it. She is doing well academically and socially, and I am pleased with how well the school is managed. Its big, but organized in a way that enables the kids to feel part of a smaller community within the school. Her teachers and the assistant principal for her grade know her --- for good and for ill :) We have been pleased with the experience
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 24, 2010

My daughter is a six grader at Deal this year and the transition of bringing six graders into the school this year has been the best experience ever. The teachers are great, they really care about their students and stay on top of their studies and communicate well not only with the students but the parents as well. The administration staff is wonderful and they are always on point at all times. Ms. Kim is a great Principal, she encourages her student to achieve and excel for the best and to make sure that they are heading that way there is always available resources to help them achieve. The best thing I love there as a parent is Edline, it is the best tool a parent can have. It keeps you updated on your child grades at all times every school needs this tool.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 31, 2009

Both of our children attended Deal and had wonderful educational and social experiences. The rich diversity of the school population, the strength and professionalism of the teachers and administrators, the International Baccalaureate program and the fully modernized building combine to create a wonderful learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 9, 2009

All three of our children have gone to Deal, and it is amazing how the school has changed over the years. The renovation, leadership, faculty has brought new enthusiasm and positive energy.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 9, 2009

I am an African-American parent of a 7th grader at Deal. My eldest son also attended Deal and is having a great time now at Wilson. Deal is an important school in the District because it demonstrates the important role that multicultural schools have in ridding the world of unwarranted fears, misconceptions, and negative stereotypes of groups outside of our own neighborhoods. Ms. Kim is an effective leader and in addition to demanding academic excellence from all students, understands that cultural fluency is an ideal to work toward each and every day.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 9, 2009

Deal has been transformed into a fantastic school. My son's teachers know him well--his strengths and his weaknesses. They have motivated him to be a better student, and they have also gotten him excited about what they're teaching. I am also so impressed with how available they are after school and at lunchtime, if he needs extra help or has questions. They are also very responsive anytime I've had a question or concern. Deal is a positive, orderly school where the teachers expect a lot from their students but also offer plenty of support to help them succeed.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 3, 2009

Hello people i am a student at deal and i think that deal is such a great school for students wanting to expand there life styles friendship's and other things. I know that i have i have changed alot . When i came to school i thought i would be with a lot of stuck up teachers and students. When you come they open there arms to everyone no matter what. Deal is a great school. I have made many friend that were in of different races and cultures. I never knew that i would ever have as many jewish friends as i thought i did. I love all my friend. Everyone fits in perfect we don't make fun of anyone everyone have there own style and way of life. And as students we respect it.
—Submitted by a student


Posted May 4, 2009

i think it a great school for kids
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 11, 2009

I have two boys who attend Deal and I have been very pleased with their learning.They are pleased with the school also, they love being on the track team and participating in all of the other activities.The teachers are also excellent,they call me anytime there is a problem and everytime they need to talk about my child.Every school could take pointers from this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 6, 2008

I go to Deal this is the most disorganized school in the world,(not always bad) some teachers are terrible others pretty cool. You get detention if you are late to school
—Submitted by a student


Posted January 15, 2008

Very good. Amazing Ensembles and Choirs
—Submitted by a student


Posted June 22, 2007

I am a former student of this school, I graduated in 2007. Deal is quite a good school, but there are some issues. The administration is highly disorganized and almost never gets things done on time. On a positive note, most of the teachers are excellent. I learned a lot from my teachers at Deal. They really know the curriculum and they teach with enthusiasm. Also, Deal has many different extracurricular activities and clubs. From fencing to sports, your son or daughter is bound to find an activity they enjoy at Deal. Overall, Deal has its positive traits and its negative ones.
—Submitted by Rachael Reidenbach, a former student


Posted May 10, 2006

I used to go to Deal and I know that it's a great school. The principal and staff would always be highly involved in school activities, the natural school enviorment of Deal is awesome. I highley recommend it.
—Submitted by a former student


Posted September 15, 2003

Deal is a very good school that emphasizes more than academics. The varied programs at Deal add to its great appeal. The principal is outstanding and has a firm grasp as to the concept of public education being the torch bearer of the American Education system. The teachers are involved and highly motivated which adds to the enthusiasm of the student body. The diverseness of the student body also adds greatly to the learning experience and flavor which permiates through the interactions of the students. The Academic achievements of the student body exceeds that of schools which are smaller in the area. The extracurricular activities are plentiful and the students find themselves able to choose from a varied field. Overall as a parent with two sons who have and are attending Deal I find it to be the best Jr. High in the city of Washington DC and rivals a great number of the suburban schools.
—Submitted by anthony shirley, a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 49% in 2012.

380 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 41% in 2012.

380 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
n/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington, D.C. used the District of Columbia Comprehensive Assessment System (DC-CAS) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and science in grades 5, 8, and High School. The DC-CAS is a standards-based testing program, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the District of Columbia. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Washington DC's state standards

Source: Office of the State Superintendent of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 59% in 2012.

318 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
79%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 50% in 2012.

318 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
77%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington, D.C. used the District of Columbia Comprehensive Assessment System (DC-CAS) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and science in grades 5, 8, and High School. The DC-CAS is a standards-based testing program, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the District of Columbia. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Washington DC's state standards

Source: Office of the State Superintendent of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 58% in 2012.

284 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
74%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 49% in 2012.

284 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
78%
Science

The state average for Science was 39% in 2011.

296 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
81%

2009

 
 
n/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington, D.C. used the District of Columbia Comprehensive Assessment System (DC-CAS) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8 and 10, and science in grades 5, 8, and High School. The DC-CAS is a standards-based testing program, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the District of Columbia. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

See Washington DC's state standards

Source: Office of the State Superintendent of Education

GreatSchools Rating

What makes up this rating?

Academic rating
9 / 10
Climate rating
Coming 2013

This GreatSchools Rating is based on academics, including students' test scores, academic growth and college readiness. Soon, the rating will also measure school climate, which includes safety, cleanliness, parent involvement and more.

Learn more about our methodology

What is the new GreatSchools Rating?

Rating legend
Below
average
Average
Above
average

Our rating (from 1 to 10) reflects a school's overall performance. The higher the rating, the more likely the school will prepare your child for the future, so choose an above-average school (8-10) if possible. For average schools (4-7), do careful research and look for evidence that the school has high-quality programs. For below-average schools (1-3), take caution; a low-performing school may not provide the instruction or environment your child needs to learn, and you may need to supplement classroom lessons at home.

Academic rating

The academic rating is made up of equally-weighted parts: students' test scores, their academic growth and their readiness for college (for high schools). If a school is designated low performing (Tier 3) by the DC Public Charter School Board, the school receives a "Below average" GreatSchools Rating. The graphs below compare this school's results to other schools in the city.
Overall academic rating

9

Above average

Test score rating 2012*
This school
City
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Learn more about this school's test scores »

Student growth rating 2012**
This school
City
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

*Test scores are based on 2012 DC-CAS results from the District of Columbia.

**The academic growth rating measures how schools affect student test score improvement over time in reading and math. The data is for the 2012 school year and is provided by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education.

Climate ratings

Starting in fall 2013, we plan to release a climate rating as part of this school's overall GreatSchools Rating. The climate rating will be based on survey data about various aspects of this school's climate, such as safety, cleanliness, expectations for students, parent involvement, and more.

Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 40% 7%
Black 37% 78%
Hispanic 13% 13%
Asian 6% 1%
Two or more races 4% 1%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 110%N/A13%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 223%N/A73%
English learners 14%N/A7%
Source: 1 Office of the State Superintendent of Education, 2011-2012
Source: 2 NCES, 2010-2011

Attendance

  This school District averageState average
All Students 98%N/AN/A
Asian/Pacific Islander 99%N/AN/A
Black, not Hispanic 98%N/AN/A
Hispanic 98%N/AN/A
White, not Hispanic 99%N/AN/A
Economically disadvantaged 98%N/AN/A
Students with disabilities 98%N/AN/A
Limited English proficient 98%N/AN/A
Source: DCPS, 2009-2010

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 12N/A14
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Assistant principal(s)
Art teacher(s)
Computer specialist(s)
ELL/ESL Coordinator
Gardening teacher(s)
Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
Librarian/media specialist(s)
Music teacher(s)
PE instructor(s)
Nurse(s)
Reading specialist(s)
Security personnel
School psychologist
School social worker/counselors(s)
Speech and language therapist(s)
Teacher aid/assistant teacher
Foreign languages spoken by school staff Chinese (Mandarin)
French
German
Italian
Korean
Spanish
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • Red Ribbon School (2012)

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs
Staff resources available to students
  • Speech and language therapist(s)

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Staff resources available to students
  • Computer specialist(s)
  • Gardening teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Computer lab
  • Garden/Greenhouse
  • Outdoor learning lab
  • Science lab
Clubs
  • Gardening
  • Math club
  • Recycling club

Arts & music

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Jazz band
  • Orchestra
  • Vocal lessons / coaching
Performing and written arts
  • Drama
Media arts
  • Graphics
Clubs
  • Art club
  • Dance club
  • Student newspaper

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • French
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular ESL/ELL needs
Languages supported by ESL/ELL programs
  • Other
Staff resources available to students
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Korean
  • Spanish
Clubs
  • Foreign language club: Spanish, French

Health & athletics

Staff resources available to students
  • Gardening teacher(s)
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Nurse(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • School psychologist
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Garden/Greenhouse
  • Gym
  • Kitchen
Clubs
  • Cooking club
  • Gardening
  • Girls on the run
  • Yoga club

Gifted & talented

Instructional and/or curriculum models used
  • International Baccalaureate (IB)
Clubs
  • Debate
  • Forensics club
  • National Honor Society
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:30
School end time
  • 3:15
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • After school
School Leader's name
  • Mr. James Albright
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email
  • Phone
Gender
  • Coed
Is there an application process?
  • No

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • International Baccalaureate (IB)
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs
Foreign languages taught
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • French
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular ESL/ELL needs
Languages supported by ESL/ELL programs
  • Other

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Assistant principal(s)
  • Computer specialist(s)
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
  • Gardening teacher(s)
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Librarian/media specialist(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • Nurse(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • Reading specialist(s)
  • School psychologist
  • School social worker/counselors(s)
  • Security personnel
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
  • Teacher aid/assistant teacher
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Korean
  • Spanish
Extra learning resources offered
  • Counseling
  • Remediation
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • 31 (Wisconsin Avenue Line), 32, 36 (Pennsylvania Avenue Line), 34 (Naylor Road Line), D31, D32, D33, D34 (Deal Junior High School Line)
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Art room
  • Audiovisual aids
  • Auditorium
  • Cafeteria
  • Computer lab
  • Garden/Greenhouse
  • Gym
  • Internet access
  • Kitchen
  • Library
  • Music room
  • Outdoor learning lab
  • Performance stage
  • Playground
  • Science lab
Partnerships with local resources and organizations
  • Whole Foods
  • National Portrait Gallery
  • Smithsonian Institution
  • American Museum of Natural History
  • Dymaxion
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross country
  • Fencing
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Lacrosse
  • Soccer
  • Swimming
  • Track
  • Ultimate Frisbee
  • rugby
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Cross country
  • Fencing
  • Golf
  • Lacrosse
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Swimming
  • Track
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Jazz band
  • Orchestra
  • Vocal lessons / coaching
Performing arts
  • Drama
Media arts
  • Graphics

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Art club
  • Book/reading club
  • Chess club
  • Cooking club
  • Dance club
  • Debate
  • Foreign language club: Spanish, French
  • Forensics club
  • Game club
  • Gardening
  • Girls on the run
  • Homework help/study buddy club
  • Lesbian, gay, transgender club
  • Math club
  • Model UN
  • National Honor Society
  • Recycling club
  • Student council/government
  • Student newspaper
  • Yoga club
School leaders can update this information here.

Upcoming Events

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School culture

Dress Code
  • Dress code
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Attend parent nights
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Coach sports teams or extracurricular activities
  • Join PTO/PTA
  • Organize cultural events
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
  • Serve on school improvement team or governance council
  • Volunteer time after school
School colors
  • Burgundy and gold
School mascot
  • Viking
School leaders can update this information here.

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How to apply

Does this school have an application or enrollment process?
 

No

Planning Ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Wilson SHS
School Without Walls SHS
Banneker SHS
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

3815 Fort Dr. NW
Washington, DC 20016
Website: Click here
Phone: (202) 939-2010

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