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GreatSchools Rating

Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom PCS

Charter | PK-6 | 350 students

We are best known for our language immersion program.
 
 
Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 2 ratings
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
Based on 2 ratings
2010:
Based on 10 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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84 reviews of this school


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Posted September 29, 2009

Great teachers, great kids, great parents, it is just great.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 29, 2009

E.W. Stokes is a great school, a model PCS at that because of the quality learning environment and teachers it affords us. I also commend E.W.Stokes for its every efforts to involve parents in the kids' learning process.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 28, 2009

It is a warm and nurturing educational environment, with a fantastic Principal and staff stretching themselves to make sure every child is getting what they need!
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted September 28, 2009

An excellent, longstanding Charter School with one of the only full, French immersion programs for all grades. Great newly renovated facility and dedicated staff.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 27, 2009

Most caring principal and staff, completely dedicated to the education and well-being of the children. It is not just a school. It is a home. A place where everyone is happy to go. Children are well prepared to become caring citizen of a multi-cultural and multi-language world.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 27, 2009

The school is guided by three core principles: 1. take care of yourself 2. take care of others 3. take care of your community That about says it all.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 27, 2009

E.W.Stokes has a great sense of community. The staff and scholars are wonderful. My son enjoys going to school. He is taught in both English and French, has PE everyday and either Art or Music. What more could a parent ask for?
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 26, 2009

I love EWS because not only does the school provide a great education but also the teachers interact so well with the students. They treat them like family. Thank you!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 25, 2009

Great local school.....multiple languages and caters to individual needs.


Posted September 25, 2009

So many things! They are learning in a nurturing, bilingual environment.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 25, 2009

My nephews attens EWS and they are thriving! Each time I visit I'm impressed by the sense of community and by the dedicated and welcoming teachers. The school has created a diverse, challenging, unique community and curriculum that brings out the best in the children there.


Posted September 25, 2009

Elsie Whitlow Stokes PCS is staffed with dedicated teachers and administrators who love the children and families they served. Where no entity is an Utopia, Stokes comes very close. I am extremely pleased with their continued efforts to provide a vigorous curriculum supported by a nurturing environment.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 25, 2009

The language immersion program is great - my 4 year old is correcting me with my Spanish these days.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 25, 2009

Play play play! Learning can be fun. And kind, loving, smart teachers and administrators.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 25, 2009

They are knowledgeable of their subject matters and communicate the information in a manner that enables the students to grasp what is being taught.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 25, 2009

EWS School is a great school because they truly care about inspiring children to be their best self. An atmosphere for strong parent participation is present and welcomed. It is also a community school where methods are implemented to address the childs whole being (physical, cultural, emotional, mental, social). When I attend 'morning line-up', I am reminded that Elsie Whitlow Stokes PCS is truly a special place for children!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 25, 2009

Elsie Whitlow Stokes school is a loving, nurturing community that stresses excellence and scholarship. It is a global community of educators, scholars and families from all over the world.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted September 25, 2009

A community of learners united behind the mission of excellent bilingual education.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 25, 2009

Great learning environment, it's a home away from home. They go above and beyond to ensure children get proper education.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 25, 2009

it's a language-immersion Pre-K to 6th-grade school where the children study ALL subjects in both English and either Spanish or French. Seeing my 4-year-old learn to not only speak but begin to think and respond in Spanish has been amazing to me. The teachers at the school are just phenomenal - there's 2 teachers in each classroom, one who focused on English and the other on the target language, and they are some of the most loving, caring, and dedicated folks I've ever seen. The school motto is 'I will take care of myself, of my friends, and of my community,'


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 37% in 2012.

41 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
41%

2011

 
 
73%

2010

 
 
55%

2009

 
 
49%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 41% in 2012.

41 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
51%

2011

 
 
64%

2010

 
 
48%

2009

 
 
56%
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 52% in 2012.

48 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
71%

2011

 
 
53%

2010

 
 
56%

2009

 
 
65%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 49% in 2012.

48 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
44%

2010

 
 
59%

2009

 
 
56%
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 50% in 2012.

42 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
62%

2011

 
 
61%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
71%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 48% in 2012.

43 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
58%

2011

 
 
61%

2010

 
 
65%

2009

 
 
58%
Science

The state average for Science was 36% in 2011.

41 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
32%

2010

 
 
55%

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 49% in 2012.

31 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
64%

2009

 
 
90%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 41% in 2012.

32 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
66%

2011

 
 
53%

2010

 
 
59%

2009

 
 
76%
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 48% 80%
Hispanic 44% 12%
White 8% 7%
Asian/Pacific Islander 1% 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 184%N/A70%
Special education 210%N/A13%
English learners 234%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 96%N/AN/A
Female 95%N/AN/A
Male 96%N/AN/A
Asian/Pacific Islander 84%N/AN/A
Black, not Hispanic 96%N/AN/A
Hispanic 96%N/AN/A
White, not Hispanic 96%N/AN/A
Economically disadvantaged 96%N/AN/A
Not economically disadvantaged 96%N/AN/A
Students with disabilities 95%N/AN/A
General-Education students 96%N/AN/A
Limited English proficient 96%N/AN/A
Not limited English proficient 96%N/AN/A
Source: DCPS, 2009-2010

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 6N/A14
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Art teacher(s)
Cooking/Nutrition teacher(s)
ELL/ESL Coordinator
Gardening teacher(s)
Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
Librarian/media specialist(s)
Music teacher(s)
PE instructor(s)
Nurse(s)
Security personnel
School psychologist
Special education coordinator
Speech and language therapist(s)
Teacher aid/assistant teacher
Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by school staff American sign language
Arabic languages
French
Spanish
Woloof, Haitian Creole
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • Washington Post Education Excellence Leadership Award (2010)
  • Bronze Level Alliance for Healthier Generation Healthy Schools Award
  • Fight for Children Rising Star Award (2010)

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
Extra learning resources offered
  • Differentiated learning programs
Staff resources available to students
  • Special education coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Staff resources available to students
  • Gardening teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Computer lab
  • Garden/Greenhouse
Clubs
  • Gardening
  • Science club
  • Technology 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
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Instrumental music lessons
Media arts
  • Video / Film production

Language learning

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Foreign languages
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered
  • French
  • Spanish
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
Languages supported by ESL/ELL programs
  • French
  • Other
  • Spanish
Staff resources available to students
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • American sign language
  • Arabic languages
  • French
  • Spanish
  • Woloof, Haitian Creole
Clubs
  • Foreign language and culture club

Health & athletics

Staff resources available to students
  • Cooking/Nutrition teacher(s)
  • Gardening teacher(s)
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Nurse(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • School psychologist
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Garden/Greenhouse
  • Kitchen
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
Clubs
  • Cooking club
  • Gardening
  • Girls on the run
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:15am
School end time
  • 3:45pm
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • Before school: starts at 7:30 a.m.
  • After school: ends at 6:00 p.m.
School Leader's name
  • Linda Moore
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email
  • Phone
Gender
  • Coed
Is there an application process?
  • Yes

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Dual Immersion: French or Spanish
  • Project-based
  • Standards-based
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Foreign languages
  • Service learning
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • French
  • Spanish
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
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
Languages supported by ESL/ELL programs
  • French
  • Other
  • Spanish

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Cooking/Nutrition teacher(s)
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
  • Gardening teacher(s)
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Librarian/media specialist(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • Nurse(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • School psychologist
  • Security personnel
  • Special education coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
  • Teacher aid/assistant teacher
  • Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • American sign language
  • Arabic languages
  • French
  • Spanish
  • Woloof, Haitian Creole
Extra learning resources offered
  • Counseling
  • Differentiated learning programs
  • Tutoring
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • School shares bus/van with other schools
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Art room
  • Cafeteria
  • Computer lab
  • Garden/Greenhouse
  • Internet access
  • Kitchen
  • Library
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
  • Music room
  • Parent center
  • Performance stage
  • Playground
Partnerships with local resources and organizations
  • Mary's House
  • Centronia
  • Flamboyan Foundation
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Soccer
  • Volleyball
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Soccer
  • Track
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Photography
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Instrumental music lessons
Media arts
  • Video / Film production

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Book/reading club
  • Chess club
  • Cooking club
  • Foreign language and culture club
  • Gardening
  • Girls on the run
  • Science club
  • Student council/government
  • Technology club
School leaders can update this information here.

Photos

School culture

Dress Code
  • Neither uniforms nor dress code
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Attend parent nights
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Join PTO/PTA
  • Organize cultural events
  • 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
School colors
  • purple, gold
School mascot
  • Eagle
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

This school accepts applications on a

rolling basis

 
Apply now
 

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Sidwell Friends
Deal Junior High
Paul Charter School
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

3700 Oakview Terrace NE
Washington, DC 20010
Website: Click here
Phone: (202) 265-7237

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