D.C. Public Schools has decided to open three new middle schools in Ward 5 next fall, following community outcry over a lack of quality seats for students.
Since 2008, Ward 5’s adolescent students have been served by seven “education campuses,” models that lump the middle grades into elementary schools or, less frequently, high schools. Former Chancellor Michelle Rhee’s plan was to stave off the enrollment drop that DCPS sees when children finish elementary school and their parents look to private school or charter schools for the older grades, and to potentially increase student performance.
But as enrollment and test scores remained below average — and extracurricular programs were lost — parents demanded better middle-school options in Ward 5.
The new schools, to open in fall 2013, include a stand-alone middle school in Brookland, likely at the former Brookland Elementary School near the Turkey Thicket Recreation Center; a science, technology, engineering and mathematics middle school in a vacant wing of McKinley Technology High School; and an International Baccalaureate program at Browne Education Campus.
Chancellor Kaya Henderson said she was “excited” by the new portfolio, and “expect[s] Ward 5 families to agree and respond by filling the seats we’re creating.”
With the exception of Browne, the education campuses will close their middle grades and become elementary schools; parents were told Tuesday night that any closures wouldn’t be announced until the fall.
Lindsay DeHartchuck, a second-grade teacher at Wheatley Education Campus, said there is concern students will choose charter schools when Wheatley’s middle grades are closed and those students are rezoned for Browne.
“They’re a lot closer to where our students live than Browne is, and even with the new options, I could see a lot of students leaving,” said DeHartchuck, pointing out that Center City Public Charter School’s Trinidad campus is just down the block.
“Hopeful” is how Laura Lindamood, a Woodridge mother of a 2-year-old, described her reaction to the new plan. She is considering DCPS, charters and private schools, but would prefer to stay at her neighborhood school, Burroughs.
“I think it’s going to come down to word of mouth,” Lindamood said. “If you know your neighbors and their kids are doing well at the school, you’re more likely to be interested in the school and see that school as a potential for you.”
