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GreatSchools Rating

Center City PCS - Brightwood

Charter | PK-8 | 232 students
“We are best known for character, excellence, and service.”
 

DC Public Charter School Board

Total Score

67.8%

Tier
 
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  • The teachers in this school are scared to speak up. They feel if they say the...

  • I think the school has made a good change. My child has been attended the...

  • I have two kids in this school and will send my other kid next school...

  • There has been too much teacher/staff turnover in the last 24 months. My...

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Navigating the system: Washington, DC

Last modified
Community Rating

2 stars

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

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4 reviews of this school

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Posted March 29, 2013
Report it

The teachers in this school are scared to speak up. They feel if they say the wrong thing they will loose their job. This school don't have teachers qualified to handle the needs of YOUR child. HORRIBLE HORRIBLE communication issues. If you are a parent that looks to the teacher for guidance STAY AWAY from this school.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted April 27, 2012
Report it

I think the school has made a good change. My child has been attended the school when it was a catholic school. The school offers a lot of extracurricular activities for the children. They have wonderful teachers that care about the kids education. The classwork is challenging. It is small and private. My son loves the school.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted May 29, 2011
Report it

I have two kids in this school and will send my other kid next school year,never have any issue about the school and my kids are all doing great and they never complain or show any lack of intrest and will recommend the school to anybody.
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted March 26, 2010
Report it

There has been too much teacher/staff turnover in the last 24 months. My child gets bored in class, which indicates the curriculum isn't stong or challenging enough. The staff is unprofessional and they don't supervise the children well when they are at play in or outside the classroom. This school is completely disorganized and poorly run. They do not address issues in a timely or satisfactory manner. I DO NOT recommend anyone send their children to this school.
—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 37% in 2012.

29 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
38%

2011

 
 
12%

2010

 
 
9%

2009

 
 
14%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 41% in 2012.

28 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
46%

2011

 
 
35%

2010

 
 
18%

2009

 
 
29%
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.

27 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
52%

2011

 
 
36%

2010

 
 
8%

2009

 
 
32%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 49% in 2012.

27 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
33%

2011

 
 
40%

2010

 
 
25%

2009

 
 
50%
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.

29 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
59%

2011

 
 
35%

2010

 
 
30%

2009

 
 
28%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 48% in 2012.

29 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
45%

2011

 
 
59%

2010

 
 
55%

2009

 
 
33%
Science

The state average for Science was 36% in 2011.

17 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
35%

2010

 
 
40%

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.

23 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
52%

2011

 
 
27%

2010

 
 
27%

2009

 
 
18%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 41% in 2012.

23 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
48%

2011

 
 
50%

2010

 
 
33%

2009

 
 
59%
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.

15 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
42%

2010

 
 
27%

2009

 
 
30%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 50% in 2012.

15 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
27%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
39%
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.

16 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
50%

2011

 
 
53%

2010

 
 
28%

2009

 
 
32%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 49% in 2012.

16 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
50%

2011

 
 
57%

2010

 
 
56%

2009

 
 
47%
Science

The state average for Science was 39% in 2011.

15 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
53%

2010

 
 
28%

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 subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 6%N/A13%
English learners 39%N/A7%
Source: Office of the State Superintendent of Education, 2011-2012

Attendance

  This school District averageState average
All Students 92%N/AN/A
Female 93%N/AN/A
Male 92%N/AN/A
American Indian/Alaskan Native 97%N/AN/A
Black, not Hispanic 92%N/AN/A
Hispanic 94%N/AN/A
White, not Hispanic 97%N/AN/A
Economically disadvantaged 93%N/AN/A
Not economically disadvantaged 92%N/AN/A
Students with disabilities 93%N/AN/A
General-Education students 92%N/AN/A
Limited English proficient 95%N/AN/A
Not limited English proficient 91%N/AN/A
Source: DCPS, 2009-2010

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Assistant principal(s)
Art teacher(s)
Dance teacher(s)
ELL/ESL Coordinator
Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
Math specialist(s)
Music teacher(s)
PE instructor(s)
Nurse(s)
Reading specialist(s)
School psychologist
School social worker/counselors(s)
Special education coordinator
Speech and language therapist(s)
Teacher aid/assistant teacher
Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by school staff 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
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
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
  • Math specialist(s)
School facilities
  • Science lab
Visual arts
  • Architecture
Clubs
  • Math club

Arts & music

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Dance teacher(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Music room
Visual arts
  • Architecture
  • Ceramics
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Sculpture
  • Textile design
Music
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Instrumental music lessons
  • Theory
Performing and written arts
  • Creative writing
  • Dance
  • Poetry
Clubs
  • Dance club: Jazz, Ballet, Modern
  • Literary magazine
  • Student newspaper
  • Yearbook

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
Staff resources available to students
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Spanish

Health & athletics

Staff resources available to students
  • Dance 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")

Gifted & talented

Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:00am
School end time
  • 4:00pm
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • Before school: starts at 7:00 a.m.
  • After school: ends at 6:00 p.m.
School Leader's name
  • Shavonne Gibson
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email
  • Phone
Gender
  • Coed
Special schedule
  • Extended/longer school day
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Fax number
  • (202) 291-0219

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Direct instruction
  • Project-based
  • Standards-based
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

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

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
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
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Assistant principal(s)
  • Dance teacher(s)
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Math specialist(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • Nurse(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • Reading specialist(s)
  • School psychologist
  • School social worker/counselors(s)
  • Special education coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
  • Teacher aid/assistant teacher
  • Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Spanish
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
  • Counseling
  • Differentiated learning programs
  • Remediation
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • None
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Audiovisual aids
  • Auditorium
  • Cafeteria
  • Gym
  • Internet access
  • Kitchen
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
  • Music room
  • Science lab
Partnerships with local resources and organizations
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
  • Flag football
  • Playworks
  • Soccer
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Flag football
  • Playworks
  • Soccer

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Architecture
  • Ceramics
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Sculpture
  • Textile design
Music
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Instrumental music lessons
  • Theory
Performing arts
  • Creative writing
  • Dance
  • Poetry
Media arts
  • None

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Book/reading club
  • Chess club
  • Community service
  • Dance club: Jazz, Ballet, Modern
  • Literary magazine
  • Math club
  • Student newspaper
  • Yearbook
School leaders can update this information here.

Photos

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

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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
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
  • 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.

Recommended reading
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What are your chances?

3 out of 10students were accepted for the 2011-2012 school year.

Students accepted for the 2011-2012 school year
75
Applications received for the 2011-2012 school year
300

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
McKinley Technological Senior High School
Bell Multicultural Senior High School
Duke Ellington School of the Arts
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!
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Get directions »

6008 Georgia Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20011
Website: Click here
Phone: (202) 723-3322

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