Thurgood Marshall Academy, a college preparatory DC public charter high school, upholds Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall’s legacy of equal opportunity through our commitment to providing an excellent education for all students, preparing them to succeed in college, and instilling in them an understanding of democracy and the ability to advocate for themselves and their communities.
While many schools make promises of high-quality education and commitment to students, Thurgood Marshall consistently honors our pledge to prepare students to succeed in college and to actively engage in our democratic society. Thurgood Marshall Academy students outperform other DC public high schools in a host of measures, including SAT scores, DC-CAS scores, and attendance, all of which lead to the ultimate success: 100% of our seniors graduate and are accepted to college.
Located in historic Anacostia, Thurgood Marshall Academy is open to all DC students. We serve nearly 400 students, most of whom live in Wards 7 and 8. How do we take kids from the most under-resourced urban neighborhoods in Washington, DC, most of whom enter high school up to four years behind in reading and math, and enable them to rise to this level of achievement? Intense, tireless, and comprehensive work from our teachers and staff who never give up on a student. Students attend school ten hours a day and some weekends. Teachers put in as much time or more.
There are no metal detectors when you walk through the doors of Thurgood Marshall, unlike in most urban high schools. There are no fights. There is no violence. The serious culture and safe environment of Thurgood Marshall Academy differs dramatically from neighboring public schools. From their very first day, students understand what happens in school matters not just in the moment, but for a lifetime. Through our demanding portfolio process students must assess their own academic and behavioral performance so they learn what is expected of them, how to receive constructive feedback on their work, and what steps to take to improve. This process teaches students not only how to succeed in math or English but how they must conduct themselves and channel their ambitions to succeed in life.
Thurgood Marshall Academy emphasizes elements of law and justice throughout our curriculum. Our goal is to help students develop their own voices by teaching them the skills lawyers have—the ability to solve complex problems, think critically, and advocate persuasively for themselves and their communities. These skills will serve them well in high school, in college, and in the world of work for a lifetime.
Our relationship with Thurgood Marshall Academy students doesn’t end at the conclusion of high school Thurgood Marshall Academy employs a full-time alumni coordinator who keeps in touch with our graduates every step of the way after high school. She keeps them apprised of academic, scholarship, and employment opportunities. She helps them find the support they may need to succeed in a challenging university environment. Our alumni coordinator even connects graduates with Thurgood Marshall’s Alumni Emergency Fund, a financial resource that helps with books, supplies, and other costs that can be the difference between someone staying in and dropping out of college.