At ÈËÆÞÂÒÂ× DC schools, students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become Washington DC’s next generation of leaders. Equipped with an excellent education, our alumni are empowered to be successful in college, careers, and life.Â
In 2001, Susan Schaeffler and a team of dedicated educators founded our first school, ÈËÆÞÂÒÂ× DC KEY Academy, in a church basement in Southeast Washington, D.C. Since then, ÈËÆÞÂÒÂ× DC has maintained excellence while scaling from 80 students in that one middle school to 7,300 students—in grades PreK3 through 12th grade—across 20 schools and two programs in the District.
ÈËÆÞÂÒÂ× DC started by educating middle school students but we soon realized that by fifth grade, the learning gap was too large and we needed to reach students earlier. To effectively prepare our students for success, we added early childhood and elementary schools at each campus. Since then, we have seen tremendous improvement in students who received the entirety of their education at ÈËÆÞÂÒÂ× DC.
We are dedicated to making a lasting impact in the lives of our students, alumni, their families, and the broader ÈËÆÞÂÒÂ×.
Our success is driven by:
We believe in setting the bar high with exceptional, college-preparatory education that ensures every student is ready for success in higher education and careers. We know that every student is different and we personalize learning to create and reinforce a culture of achievement and support.Â
We center equity and identity affirmation in our practices so that all students thrive academically and personally. We foster joyful learning experiences where curiosity, creativity, and strong relationships flourish, making learning an exciting and meaningful journey for everyone. We equip students to elevate their voices and to make a positive impact on the world around them.
We ensure that our educators are equipped with all the resources and tools they need and we invest heavily in educator training and leadership development to help them grow as professionals. We continuously seek new ways to make learning come alive for students.
We create a welcoming and inclusive ÈËÆÞÂÒÂ× where every student, family, and staff member feels valued and respected. Our schools provide physical and emotional safety, built on a foundation of strong relationships and collaboration with families.
We believe the transformative power of education provides students with choice and opportunity. Though we celebrate students on whatever path they choose, we foster a college-going culture throughout all stages of students’ education. Our ÈËÆÞÂÒÂ× Forward advisors support students and alumni socially, academically, and financially beyond their time at ÈËÆÞÂÒÂ× DC so they can thrive in college and careers.
Learn more about ÈËÆÞÂÒÂ× DC’s impact in the District of Columbia.
2001
opens at Garden Memorial Presbyterian Church in Anacostia with 80 5th graders.
2002
to 160 5th & 6th graders and moves to the Blue Castle on M Street, SE.
2003
of all charter middle schools in Washington D.C.
2005
with 500 students enrolled at ÈËÆÞÂÒÂ× DC. ÈËÆÞÂÒÂ× DC Through College was founded and ÈËÆÞÂÒÂ× DC Headquarters office opens
2007
with over 1,000 students enrolled at ÈËÆÞÂÒÂ× DC.
2008
at 5801 Benning Road SE.
2009
Founding KEY Academy class graduates high school. Capital Teaching Residency program is founded.
2010
with 2,000 students enrolled at ÈËÆÞÂÒÂ× DC.
2011
ÈËÆÞÂÒÂ× DC releases first college completion report.
2012
at the Shaw Campus dedication ceremony. Michelle Obama visits ÈËÆÞÂÒÂ× DC Douglass Campus.
2013
at the renovated ÈËÆÞÂÒÂ× DC Webb Campus on Mount Olivet Road NE.
2014
2015
The Learning Center Opens at the Douglas Campus. Jennifer Ramacciotti named OSSE 2015 Teacher of the Year! KCP Principal Jessica Cunningham wins Milken Educator Award and $25,000.
2016
is dedicated in honor of Joel E. Smilow.
2017
ÈËÆÞÂÒÂ× DC Pre-K program has big impact on student achievement
2018
2019
Heights Academy named Blue Ribbon School
2020
In line with public health guidance and informed by the voices of our school communities, ÈËÆÞÂÒÂ× DC implements a multitude of health and safety protocols to minimize health risks and produce the best learning environments for ÈËÆÞÂÒÂ×sters to succeed.
2022
