Amidon-Bowen has been selected to be a site for the DC Reading Corps, a strategic initiative of The Literacy Lab. The Reading Corps will provide multiple full-time reading tutors at Amidon in SY13-14 to provide targeted students in grades K-3 with daily 1:1 reading interventions. These interventions are designed to provide students with extra practice on concepts covered in the classroom and have demonstrated significant effectiveness in supporting students to reach grade level proficiency by the end of third grade. Since 2011, Amidon has recieved donations related to literacy which include: - New library (renovation, books, furniture) from Target/Heart of America Foundation. - $40,000 (3,000 books)for classroom leveled learning libraries from Mandarin Oriental Hotel. - $750,000 3-year grant for literacy from Target Foundation - Thousands of volunteer hours from Everybody Wins Mentoring/Reading Program. Naturally, these programs benefit all children at the school. Amidon has done a great job of moving children who are proficient readers into the advanced level. Sincerely, Martin R. Welles, Esq. PTA President Amdion-Bowen
—Submitted by a parent

I know that this school is trying its best to improve, but I am doing everything I can to get my child into a charter school next year. The teachers have no control over the children once they reach 2nd grade. You see adults yelling and a bunch of students who don't care if they are yelled at. Absolutely no discipline! The principal works herself to death and probably still doesn't have time to help teachers. The test scores are barely improving as a result. They seem to be more worried about playgrounds than they are academics. Why is that the focus of every PTA meeting? Why not spend this money on teaching my child how to read? I want strong teachers, not state-of-the art jungle-gyms.
—Submitted by a parent

So originally I was very apprehesive. However, I LOVE the school now. The staff, including the adminsitartin, is very personable and open. Although some issues arise from time to time, they are very focused on resolving them quickly. I could not have found a better school for my son.
—Submitted by a parent

I just enrolled my child and met the principal. She greeted my 4 year old and talked to her for a while. I love her energy and how she approaches child's development. I am very very pleased with my initial experience.
—Submitted by a parent

The best hands on school in the distric of columbia. I love the way the teachers and staff have wonderful patients with the students.I can actualy say that I have found the best school for my child.
—Submitted by a parent

Not clean. Has no good academics.
—Submitted by a parent