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GreatSchools Rating

Center City PCS - Congress Heights

Charter | PK-8 | 248 students
“We are best known for character, excellence, and service.”
 

DC Public Charter School Board

Total Score

37.0%

Tier
 
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  • I was very pleased with my child's pre-k experience. Ms. Johnson has taught...

 
 
 

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Navigating the system: Washington, DC

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

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1 review of this school

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Posted April 11, 2012
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I was very pleased with my child's pre-k experience. Ms. Johnson has taught her how to read and the classroom is always calm unlike many of the other classes. She really cares for the kids and has a good relationship with the parents. My other daughter will be with her next year because I would not prefer anyone or anywhere us. Even though they have had a lot of changes with the principals, I am pleased with the teaching and the staff.
—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.

15 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
20%

2011

 
 
6%

2010

 
 
5%

2009

 
 
13%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 41% in 2012.

15 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
20%

2011

 
 
13%

2010

 
 
19%

2009

 
 
30%
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.

14 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
29%

2011

 
 
17%

2010

 
 
6%

2009

 
 
5%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 49% in 2012.

14 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
36%

2011

 
 
22%

2010

 
 
24%

2009

 
 
5%
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.

27 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
26%

2011

 
 
27%

2010

 
 
7%

2009

 
 
10%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 48% in 2012.

27 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
33%

2011

 
 
40%

2010

 
 
20%

2009

 
 
33%
Science

The state average for Science was 36% in 2011.

15 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
27%

2010

 
 
13%

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.

32 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
25%

2011

 
 
13%

2010

 
 
0%

2009

 
 
27%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 41% in 2012.

31 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
35%

2011

 
 
21%

2010

 
 
7%

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 59% in 2012.

25 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
48%

2011

 
 
35%

2010

 
 
33%

2009

 
 
52%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 50% in 2012.

25 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
40%

2011

 
 
39%

2010

 
 
47%

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 58% in 2012.

24 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
50%

2011

 
 
29%

2010

 
 
32%

2009

 
 
32%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 49% in 2012.

24 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
38%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
59%

2009

 
 
41%
Science

The state average for Science was 39% in 2011.

14 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
36%

2010

 
 
23%

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
5 / 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

5

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

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 183%N/A70%
Special education 211%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 92%N/AN/A
Female 91%N/AN/A
Male 92%N/AN/A
Asian/Pacific Islander 98%N/AN/A
Black, not Hispanic 92%N/AN/A
Economically disadvantaged 92%N/AN/A
Not economically disadvantaged 91%N/AN/A
Students with disabilities 91%N/AN/A
General-Education students 92%N/AN/A
Not limited English proficient 92%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
  • Computer lab
  • 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
  • Art room
  • 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, Debate, Modern

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
  • Kitchen
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")

Gifted & talented

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

School basics

School start time
  • 8:00 am
School end time
  • 4:00 pm
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
  • Niya White
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) 574-5829

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
  • Art room
  • Auditorium
  • Cafeteria
  • Computer lab
  • Internet access
  • Kitchen
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
  • Music room
  • Playground
  • Science lab
Partnerships with local resources and organizations
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
  • Playworks
  • Soccer
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • 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, Debate, Modern
  • Math club
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.

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March 15, 2013

 
 
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Washington, D.C.

Recommended reading
Outsmarting the system in Washington »

What are your chances?

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

Students accepted for the 2011-2012 school year
100
Applications received for the 2011-2012 school year
400

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
National Collegiate PC High School
Benjamin Banneker Academic High School
Thurgood Marshall Public Charter High School
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!
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220 Highview Place, SE
Washington, DC 20032
Website: Click here
Phone: (202) 562-7070

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