Achieving Academic Excellence In Washington, D.C.
FRIENDSHIP PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL-- CHAMBERLAIN CAMPUS
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Principal James Shepard
Established in 1998
700+ Students, Serving Grades PreK–5
Students: 99% African American; 1% Hispanic
Teachers: 88% African American; 4% Caucasian;
4% Hispanic; 4% Other
Overall Parent Satisfaction 2004–2005
(Combined A & B): 82%
ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Since its establishment in Washington, D.C., seven years ago, Friendship Public Charter School Chamberlain Campus has distinguished itself by maintaining high standards of excellence in a safe and nurturing environment. Love of Learning, Character Education, and Career Development Exploration are the cornerstones of the school, which is run in partnership with Friendship House. Founded in 1904 by community volunteers, Friendship House is one of D.C.’s leading social service organizations, focused on strengthening community assets through education, training, and local investment.
Chamberlain promotes independent and interdependent learning with clear expectations and routines for learning successfully. Highlights include:
• smaller schools within a school;
• teams of teachers working together; and
• lead teachers supporting instructional culture.
ACHIEVING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Chamberlain is one of the shining stars of Washington, D.C. elementary schools. Its students are achieving at amazing rates and the school has formed unique partnerships with arts, health, and nonprofit organizations to enhance its curriculum and enrich overall student development.
Chamberlain’s 2005 scores placed the school light years ahead of where it started—an average of 28.5 points ahead—and solidly ahead of where it was last year. Students in every grade are scoring on average at or above grade level in reading and in math. The school has 51 percent of its students proficient or above by the high standards of the SAT9, and more than 89 percent are basic or above.