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GreatSchools Rating

J.O. Wilson Elementary School

Public | PK-5 | 420 students

We are best known for award winning French Program.
 
 
Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 2 ratings
2012:
Based on 3 ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 4 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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11 reviews of this school


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Posted May 16, 2013

My son has been a student at J.O. WIlson since he was 3 years old and he is now 7. I love that Wilson has teachers who are willing to go above and beyond to push the students to strive for excellence. My son is in the first grade reading at a third reading level. They have an excellent afterschool program, where they have to start or complete part of the homework assignments, extra curricular activities such as soccer, cheerleading, drama club, etc. I love the parent, teacher, staff and community partnership we have at J.O. Wilson. We are like a family here. I am excited about my 3 year old attending school here in August. I am sure it will a great experience as it is with my oldest.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 25, 2013

Two of my children attend this school. My 5 year old is doing well with reading and math...he enjoys his teacher and class. My daughter is in the TAG 2nd grade program, she is being pushed (positively) and the results are good. It is a 8 out of 10 when rating other school experiences I have had previously in this area. (Maury ES, and Ludlow-Taylor ES)
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 4, 2012

We have been very impressed with J.O. Wilson's early childhood program. The Tools of the Mind Curriculum, a play based approach, is so much more then just play. Our son adores his teacher and we are very pleasantly surprised with his experience so far.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 16, 2012

School is just ok!!!! Son is in pre-school and I had high hopes at the begining of the year, but the teacher, principal, curriculum, and paental involvement have left a lot to be desired and extinguished my excitement. In all fariness, I have seen some growth in my son's language skills and sense of independence, but just I'm not sure how much can be attributed to JO. In short, it's fine for pre-school and pre k, but i wouldn't keep my child there there beyond that point.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 9, 2012

J. O. Wilson is a WONDERFUL school! Just WONDERFUL! My children are blossoming. They are self assured and proud. The staff are amazing. J.O. Wilson is a fantastic choice.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 18, 2011

J.O. Wilson dispells all negative rumors of the quality of DC public schools. With students who are focused and well behaved, and a commitment to their own education. Partnerships with community businesses, the business development district and the Smithsonian Museums rounds out the educational experience for children.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 15, 2010

My son is in his second year at JO. There have been ups and downs but I see demonstrated growth in him and his friends.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 14, 2010

I have been a volunteer at J.O. Wilson for at least 10 years. It has always been a good school. Now it's great--with dedicated teachers, a wonderful principal, energetic volunteers. And it has just been beautifully renovated! What a source of pride for everyone.


Posted May 19, 2010

In a city where you re constantly inundated with horror stories about its public schools, JO Wilson has been a great surprise for my family. It is a great school! From the principal down to the teachers in the classroom, it is a cohesive community that works together in a friendly and positive environment. The school s principal, Ms. Warley is always working hard to improve the school and is accessible at all times. This school under the leadership of the principal is providing a great place to learn. I rate this school 10 out of 10!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 5, 2010

JO Wilson Has the best teachers in DC. My son goes there and they really care about every student. We love Ms. Smith that teaches 3rd grade. She treats every student like they are hers...
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 20, 2010

I rate this school a 10. Excellent academic program. Outstanding teachers.
—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 37% in 2012.

45 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
20%

2011

 
 
49%

2010

 
 
82%

2009

 
 
78%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 41% in 2012.

45 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
36%

2011

 
 
49%

2010

 
 
66%

2009

 
 
65%
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.

38 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
34%

2011

 
 
60%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
83%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 49% in 2012.

38 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
47%

2011

 
 
55%

2010

 
 
71%

2009

 
 
83%
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.

31 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
51%

2010

 
 
65%

2009

 
 
68%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 48% in 2012.

31 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
61%

2011

 
 
57%

2010

 
 
62%

2009

 
 
68%
Science

The state average for Science was 36% in 2011.

35 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
54%

2010

 
 
41%

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
4 / 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

4

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 96% 80%
White 2% 7%
Hispanic 1% 12%
American Indian/Alaskan Native 0% 0%
Asian/Pacific Islander 0% 2%
Source: NCES, 2009-2010

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 191%N/A70%
Special education 212%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
Black, not Hispanic 100%N/AN/A
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 12N/A14
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher resources

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

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • National Distinguish Principal (2009)
  • AdequatWashington Post Principal of the Year (2011)
  • Adequate yearly progress (2009)
Community service awards received in the past 3 years
  • Geo Plunge Champs (2009)
  • Geo Plunge Champs (2010)

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs
Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Multiple disabilities
Extra learning resources offered
  • Differentiated learning programs
Staff resources available to students
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
Clubs
  • Special olympics

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

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

Arts & music

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Dance teacher(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
Music
  • Choir / Chorus
Performing and written arts
  • Dance
  • Drama
Clubs
  • Dance club: Modern
  • Drama club
  • Step team

Language learning

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Foreign languages
Foreign languages taught
  • French
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Staff resources available to students
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • French
  • Italian
  • Spanish
  • Vietnamese

Health & athletics

Staff resources available to students
  • Dance teacher(s)
  • Gardening teacher(s)
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Nurse(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • School psychologist
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Gym
  • Kitchen
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
Clubs
  • Gardening
  • Girls on the run
  • Special olympics
  • Step team

Gifted & talented

Instructional and/or curriculum models used
  • Gifted / high performing
Staff resources available to students
  • Gifted specialist(s)
Clubs
  • Debate
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:40am
School end time
  • 3:15pm
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • Before school: starts at 7:00 a.m.
  • After school: ends at 6:00 a.m.
School Leader's name
  • Cheryl B. Warley
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email
Age at which early childhood or Pre-K program begins
  • 3 years old
Gender
  • Coed
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Fax number
  • (202) 698-4727

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Gifted / high performing
  • Tools of the Mind-ECE
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Foreign languages
  • Writing
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
Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Multiple disabilities
Foreign languages taught
  • French
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Computer specialist(s)
  • Dance teacher(s)
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
  • Gardening teacher(s)
  • Gifted specialist(s)
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Librarian/media specialist(s)
  • Math specialist(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • Nurse(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • School psychologist
  • School social worker/counselors(s)
  • Security personnel
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
  • Teacher aid/assistant teacher
  • Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • French
  • Italian
  • Spanish
  • Vietnamese
Extra learning resources offered
  • Counseling
  • Differentiated learning programs
  • Mentoring
  • Tutoring
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • D3 (Ivy City-Dupont Circle Line), D4 (Ivy City-Franklin Square Line), D8 (Hospital Center Line), 90, 92, 93 (U Street-Garfield Line), X1, X2, X3 (Benning Road Line)
  • Transportation provided for special education students only
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Art room
  • Cafeteria
  • Computer lab
  • Gym
  • Internet access
  • Kitchen
  • Library
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
  • Music room
  • Outdoor learning lab
  • Parent center
  • Performance stage
  • Playground
Partnerships with local resources and organizations
  • Federal Burea of Investigation(FBI)
  • United States Court of Appeals
  • Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
  • Friends of J.O. Wilson
  • National Art Gallery
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
  • Flag football
  • Golf
  • Kickball
  • Soccer
  • Tennis
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Flag football
  • Kickball
  • Pom Pom
  • Soccer
  • Tennis

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
Music
  • Choir / Chorus
Performing arts
  • Dance
  • Drama

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Boy scouts
  • Chess club
  • Dance club: Modern
  • Debate
  • Drama club
  • Gardening
  • Geo Plunge Club
  • Girl scouts
  • Girls on the run
  • Homework help/study buddy club
  • Recycling club
  • Scrabble Club
  • Special olympics
  • Step team
  • Student council/government
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
  • Classroom Parent
  • Coach sports teams or extracurricular activities
  • Join PTO/PTA
  • Monitor the playground
  • 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
  • Volunteer time after school
School colors
  • Red and White
School mascot
  • Cardinal
More from this school
  • The faculty and staff at J.O. Elementary School are committed to providing a rigorous, comprehensive and caring program of instruction for each and every student. Our vision is to create a school culture that promotes excellence. The academic curriculum is challenging, so that we may obtain the goals to build a great school in which every child can grow to become a productive citizen; every teacher can make a difference. Our school has become a school where instruction is driven by data, the history is rich and purposeful; strong values and pride serve the entire school and the culturally diverse community of learners.
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 accepted for the 2012-2013 school year
102
Applications received for the 2011-2012 school year
315

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Stuart Hobson Middle School
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

660 K St. NE
Washington, DC 20002
Website: Click here
Phone: (202) 698-4733

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