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GreatSchools Rating

Hardy Middle School

Public | 6-8 | 412 students

We are best known for academics, music and art.
 
 
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 1 rating

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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35 reviews of this school


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Posted October 22, 2012

This school was actually put on my radar when the DCPS central office tried unsuccessfully to meddle with the program. While it was unfortunate that the school community suffered leadership upheaval, in the end it gained a great leader in the current principal. After some investigation, we decided as a family to transfer our child from one of the more successful schools in town to Hardy, and it's the best decision we've made in a while. My child is engaged and challenged in a way I suspected he wasn't before. The teachers are energetic and bright. There's a strong parent organization. Class sizes are small and the school has a very warm and cozy feel. Hardy has a new school-wide program designed to address the needs of its most academically advanced students and offer enrichment to those who could be identified as gifted. I can't really ask for much more from a middle school. Hardy is a hidden gem.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 3, 2012

Hardy has transformed itself in the past few years. They now have an amazing building with the addition of experienced teachers and supportive leadership. If you're looking for an option other than Deal, please do look at Hardy. You'll find bright, vibrant classrooms filled with students from all parts of DC being taught by true professionals. There are lots of sports, and after school options and the added benefit of the music and arts program. Check it out!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 31, 2011

I am a student at Hardy middle school. I am currently in the 8th grade. I have experienced the struggles and hardships that Hardy has gone through in the past year. Hardy is a very interesting school and I am proud to be a student that attends the school. The arts and music in the school interest me and help me look forward to my goals in the future. The teachers are great and outstanding. The only concern that I have about the school is the re-assignment of our last principal, Mr. Pope. He was really great and I really miss him.


Posted April 19, 2010

Outstanding leadership and staff: teamwork. Complete and thorough implementation of a quality program under Principal Pope.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 19, 2010

Students learn at a high levl Teachers really care Best principal in the area Music & Arts program make students excited about learning in general and it teaches great discipline
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 19, 2010

Great programs, administration, teachers and students! This is a wonderful learning environment for all!...
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 18, 2010

Hardy MS provides a wonderful, well-rounded education at the middle school level. The principal has put together a program that succeeds because of the extraordinary arts and music faculty and strong core academic faculty. The diverse student population from all over the city is also an enormous asset.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 18, 2010

WOW!, there are so many reasons why Hardy is a great middle and why I love Hardy Middle School totally!! Hardy Middle has AWESOME leadership- Principal Mr. Pope, teachers, staff and students. Hardy gives thousands of children the ability to thrive, be challenged through curriculm and experience the greatness of the world through arts and music. Hardy rocks...
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 18, 2010

I have two children that currently attend Hardy and we are very pleased with the quality of education they are receiving.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 16, 2010

A fantastic principal, wonderful teachers - strong academics and a marvelous music and art program. The only public middle school in DC to make AYP. Active and dedicated parent body. Beautifully renovated building. A real gem in the DC Public School system.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 16, 2010

Hardy has the best teachers and principal, Patrick Pope. They truly care about the children!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 16, 2010

Hardy Middle School is the BEST DCPS Middle School. Children get a top rate education w/ Music & Arts embedded into the cirriculum. This school integrates kids from all across DC! Our children love Hardy
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 16, 2010

A great principal, engaging teachers, and dedicated parents Hardy Middle School offers a strong academic curriculum and a top rate music and arts program. Housed in a beautifully renovated building and located in the Georgetown community of Washington DC, Hardy is the best that the DC Public School system has to offer.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 16, 2010

Awsome teaching and administrative staff lead by a dynamic Principal. Strong adademic progress. Excellent, nationally-recognized music and arts program; in the beautiful community of Historic Georgetown.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 16, 2010

I love Hardy Middle School because Hardy is not only a school it is a place called Home. The staff at Hardy treat each individual child with care. My children have had the opportunity to experience Music and Art in a different light. They have grown socially while attending Hardy. Hardy is also a place where my children and I feel safe. The parents, staff, and parents love Mr. Pope, the Principal of Hardy Middle School.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 16, 2010

Hardy is a wonderful school with teachers and faculty who care about each and every student. Hardy is the best DCPS Middle School. Mr. Pope is a great principal.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 16, 2010

I love the principal, the teachers, the staff, the curriculm, the facility and the students. Combining strong academics with the music and arts program has created a well-balanced environment for my daughter to learn and thrive.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 16, 2010

This school has a great program with a strong core staff for each grade. The teachersand most of all the principal work with each child as and individual to bring out the best in them.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 16, 2010

It provided my child with a safe environment and a place where the teachers took time to assist him with all his educational needs.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 14, 2010

A wonderful and caring principal and staff. My son is receiving a great education for his future!!!!
—Submitted by 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.

97 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
66%

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
53%

2009

 
 
58%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 41% in 2012.

97 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
55%

2011

 
 
54%

2010

 
 
67%

2009

 
 
71%
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.

130 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
66%

2010

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
70%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 50% in 2012.

130 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
63%

2011

 
 
69%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
70%
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.

159 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
73%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
75%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 49% in 2012.

160 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
77%
Science

The state average for Science was 39% in 2011.

156 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
60%

2010

 
 
67%

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
7 / 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

7

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
Black 75% 80%
Hispanic 10% 12%
White 10% 7%
Asian/Pacific Islander 5% 2%
American Indian/Alaskan Native 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2009-2010

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 141%N/A70%
Special education 29%N/A13%
English learners 23%N/A7%
Source: 1 NCES, 2009-2010
Source: 2 Office of the State Superintendent of Education, 2011-2012

Attendance

  This school District averageState average
All Students 100%N/AN/A
Asian/Pacific Islander 100%N/AN/A
Black, not Hispanic 100%N/AN/A
Hispanic 100%N/AN/A
White, not Hispanic 100%N/AN/A
Economically disadvantaged 100%N/AN/A
Students with disabilities 100%N/AN/A
Limited English proficient 100%N/AN/A
Source: DCPS, 2009-2010

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 11N/A14
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher resources

Foreign languages spoken by school staff French
Spanish
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Intensive - the school offers a full program for many needs and/or offers at least one very comprehensive program for very challenging needs such as autism or complete visual impairment
Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Hearing impairments
  • Specific learning disabilities

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

School facilities
  • Computer lab
  • Outdoor learning lab
  • Science lab

Arts & music

School facilities
  • Art room
  • Music room
Visual arts
  • Painting
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
Performing and written arts
  • Drama

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • French
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Intensive - the school offers a full program for many languages and/or offers at least one very comprehensive program school-wide for at least 25% of our population
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • French
  • Spanish

Health & athletics

School facilities
  • Gym
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:45 am
School end time
  • 3:15pm
School Leader's name
  • Dr. Mary Stefanus
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Phone
Gender
  • Coed
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Fax number
  • (202) 576-9443

Programs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Intensive - the school offers a full program for many needs and/or offers at least one very comprehensive program for very challenging needs such as autism or complete visual impairment
Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Hearing impairments
  • Specific learning disabilities
Foreign languages taught
  • French
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Intensive - the school offers a full program for many languages and/or offers at least one very comprehensive program school-wide for at least 25% of our population

Resources

Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • French
  • Spanish
Extra learning resources offered
  • Remediation
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • 31 (Wisconsin Avenue Line), 32, 36 (Pennsylvania Avenue Line), 34 (Naylor Road Line), D1 (Sibley Hospital-Stadium/Armory Line), D2 (Glover Park-Dupont Circle Line)
  • Transportation provided for special education students only
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Auditorium
  • Cafeteria
  • Computer lab
  • Garden
  • Gym
  • Library
  • Music room
  • Outdoor learning lab
  • Science lab
Partnerships with local resources and organizations
  • Black Women in Sports
  • Georgetown University
  • Pigskin Club
  • Safeway
  • Starbucks
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross country
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Track
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Cross country
  • Track
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Painting
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
Performing arts
  • Drama
School leaders can update this information here.

Photos

School culture

Dress Code
  • Uniforms
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Attend parent nights
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Connections to community resources.
  • Join PTO/PTA
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
  • Present special topics during curricular units
  • Serve on school improvement team or governance council
  • Volunteer in the classroom
  • Volunteer time after school
School colors
  • Navy blue and white
School mascot
  • Hawks
More from this school
  • All entering 6th grade students are required to sign up for instrumental instruction for all three years. Students can pick from several bands to participate in and students perform all over the city. We expect students to participate is the full range of extra curricular activities that are offered.
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

TIP: Don't forget to ask about documents required for enrollment, such as your child's birth certificate, proof of address, or a record of immunizations.

 
Apply now
 

What are your chances?

Students typically come from these schools
Hardy typically has students from over 35 elemtary schools across the city.

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
School Without Walls
Banneker Academic High School/Ellington School of the Arts
Wilson SHS
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

1819 35th St. NW
Washington, DC 20007
Website: Click here
Phone: (202) 729-4350

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