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GreatSchools Rating

KIPP DC PCS: WILL Academy

Charter | 4-8 | 360 students
“Outstanding educators, more time in school, college-preparatory curriculum”
 

DC Public Charter School Board

Total Score

73.8%

Tier
 
  • Photos of this school
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  • This school has been a wonderful experience and has offered my child so many...

  • I am a Kipp Will parent with 2 middle-schoolers attending. In spite of what...

  • Has the highest test score in the city. Total child education. Positive...

 
 
 

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Navigating the system: Washington, DC

Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Based on 3 ratings
Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 1 rating

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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The Principal's point of view

Posted May 24, 2011

Each and every day I am inspired by the ability, tenacity, and excellence of the students and staff here at KIPP DC: WILL Academy. We truly set the bar for public education high and each day we continue to prove the possible . I am so proud to be a part of the team and family at WILL Academy.

3 reviews of this school

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Posted March 16, 2011
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This school has been a wonderful experience and has offered my child so many wonderful leadership oppurtunties. He was a good student when he started KIPP but he was transformed into an excellent student. A multitude of opportunities were opened up for him. He participated in leadership conferences, he worked for his oppurtunties including the oppurtunity to attend the school out of town trips, he had the oppurtunity to test for and attend private schools, it was just an amazing experience and I am ready to start it all over again with my second child. This school is know for taken children as much as 2 years below grade level and elevating them to on and above grade level. I love this school the only drawback is that the school does have a high teacher turnover because teachers may be at this school for 1-2 years and go to another KIPP DC school. If you are looking for a school were the teachers have been there for 20 years, this is not the school for you. This is the school for you If you are looking for a school that provides an excellent curriculm and test scores, and the oppurtunity for your student to grow.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted September 16, 2010
Report it

I am a Kipp Will parent with 2 middle-schoolers attending. In spite of what you may have already read - - Kipp Will has the highest and only improving test scores of the Kipp Middle School campuses and of all DCPS middle schools in Washington DC. The school is focuss is no excuses and all WILL go on to College. Both of my children have behavioural disorders and the school administration and teachers have rallied around my children and have worked with me to provide to the best possible education for them. In spite of the struggles, the commute and many hours of homework I wouldn't have my children attend any other school in DC.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted September 30, 2009
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Has the highest test score in the city. Total child education. Positive learning environment. Very supportive. Children excell!
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review

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 52% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 49% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

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 50% in 2012.

78 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
50%

2011

 
 
47%

2010

 
 
48%

2009

 
 
49%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 48% in 2012.

78 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
40%

2011

 
 
52%

2010

 
 
48%

2009

 
 
46%
Science

The state average for Science was 36% in 2011.

81 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
38%

2010

 
 
29%

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.

82 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
50%

2011

 
 
60%

2010

 
 
71%

2009

 
 
74%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 41% in 2012.

82 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
48%

2011

 
 
52%

2010

 
 
65%

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 59% in 2012.

81 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
99%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 50% in 2012.

81 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
69%

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.

72 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 49% in 2012.

72 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
n/a
Science

The state average for Science was 39% in 2011.

68 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
62%

2010

 
 
73%

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
8 / 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

8

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
Black 99% 80%
Hispanic 1% 12%
American Indian/Alaskan Native 0% 0%
Asian/Pacific Islander 0% 2%
White 0% 7%
Source: NCES, 2009-2010

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 182%N/A70%
Special education 215%N/A13%
English learners 20%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 93%N/AN/A
Female 94%N/AN/A
Male 92%N/AN/A
Black, not Hispanic 93%N/AN/A
Hispanic 96%N/AN/A
Economically disadvantaged 94%N/AN/A
Not economically disadvantaged 93%N/AN/A
Students with disabilities 94%N/AN/A
General-Education students 93%N/AN/A
Limited English proficient 97%N/AN/A
Not limited English proficient 93%N/AN/A
Source: DCPS, 2009-2010

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Assistant principal(s)
Math specialist(s)
PE instructor(s)
Nurse(s)
Reading specialist(s)
School social worker/counselors(s)
Special education coordinator
Foreign languages spoken by school staff Spanish
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • FOCUS Academic Achievement 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
Staff resources available to students
  • Special education coordinator

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Staff resources available to students
  • Math specialist(s)
School facilities
  • Garden/Greenhouse

Arts & music

School facilities
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
Visual arts
  • Painting
  • Photography
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Orchestra
Performing and written arts
  • Creative writing
  • Dance
  • Drama
Clubs
  • Arts and crafts
  • Dance club
  • Drama club
  • Drum line
  • Sewing/knitting club
  • Step team
  • Student newspaper

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Spanish

Health & athletics

Staff resources available to students
  • Nurse(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Garden/Greenhouse
  • Gym
Clubs
  • Step team
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:00am
School end time
  • 4:00 pm
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • After school: ends at 6:00 p.m.
School Leader's name
  • Kate Finley
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Phone
Gender
  • Coed
Is there an application process?
  • Yes

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • College prep
  • Core knowledge
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • None
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
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
  • Spanish
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
  • Assistant principal(s)
  • Math specialist(s)
  • Nurse(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • Reading specialist(s)
  • School social worker/counselors(s)
  • Special education coordinator
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Spanish
Extra learning resources offered
  • Career/college counseling
  • Remediation
  • Tutoring
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • Transportation provided for special education students only
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Auditorium
  • Cafeteria
  • Garden/Greenhouse
  • Gym
  • Internet access
  • Library
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
  • Playground
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
  • Flag football
  • Lacrosse
  • Soccer
  • Track
Girls sports
  • Cheerleading
  • Lacrosse
  • Track
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Painting
  • Photography
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Orchestra
Performing arts
  • Creative writing
  • Dance
  • Drama
Media arts
  • None

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Arts and crafts
  • Chess club
  • Dance club
  • Drama club
  • Drum line
  • Sewing/knitting club
  • Step team
  • Student council/government
  • Student newspaper
School leaders can update this information here.

Photos

  • Photos of this school
  • Photos of this school
  • Photos of this school
  • Photos of this school

Videos

Watch Now

See a video featuring this school.

 

Tips for understanding school culture

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
  • Coach sports teams or extracurricular activities
  • Join PTO/PTA
  • Serve on school improvement team or governance council
  • Volunteer in the classroom
  • Volunteer time after school
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

Learn more about
enrolling at this school »
 

Submit your application by

March 15, 2013

 
 
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Washington, D.C.

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What are your chances?

10 out of 10students were accepted for the 2013-2014 school year.

Students accepted for the 2013-2014 school year
170
Applications received for the 2013-2014 school year
170

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
KIPP DC College Preparatory
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!
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421 P Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Website: Click here
Phone: (202) 328-9455

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