Middle

Friendship Armstrong is home to our Reggio Emilia Learning Center, which uses art, nature, literature, dramatic play, language, writing, and music to spark students’ intellect, creativity, and self-confidence.

Named after the area in Italy where the concept was developed, Reggio Emilia is an early-learning model that has earned worldwide acclaim. Friendship continues to develop this learning approach by combining the creative process of Reggio with our rigorous early-education curriculum, which incorporates culturally responsive learning tools and new technology into every classroom.

Guided by a community of seasoned and supportive teachers, Armstrong students build strong foundations in mathematics, science, social studies, English, and language arts while developing the skills essential to high achievement such as hard work, critical thinking, problem solving, and teamwork.

Equally important, Armstrong’s on-campus Parent Center ensures that our most valuable learning partners – our parents – are consistent figures in our classrooms and at extended-learning and after-school events.

When it comes to success in the classroom, character matters just as much as rigorous academics. Just look at the outcomes from Blow Pierce Elementary and Middle. One of the District’s highest-performing Tier 1 charter schools, Blow Pierce builds scholars who pursue academic excellence with integrity, perseverance, confidence and courage.

Blow Pierce pre-K3-3 students develop a strong foundation in core subject areas through a thematic approach that brings social and cultural relevance to reading, language, mathematics, science and history. By focusing equally on students’ emotional, social, physical and academic development, Blow Pierce creates an environment of safety and respect where students embrace the character traits of high achievers.

Grades 5-8 at Blow Pierce Middle build on this approach by helping students gain a deeper understanding of core content, while taking ownership of their learning. Consistent with Friendship’s focus on early college exposure, students are introduced to the major concepts they will put to work later in Advanced Placement courses and Friendship’s Early College high school program.

Guided by dedicated teachers who are vested in each student’s success, Blow Pierce builds scholars who are on their way to becoming college completers.

 

Friendship Blow Pierce has partnered with CapX Lab, a community-based school program for 6th graders that uses Washington, D.C.’s world-class museums, research and culture as the classroom. To learn more about enrolling, please visit capxlab.org.

As Friendship’s founding campus nestled on Capitol Hill, Chamberlain Elementary and Middle shines as a beacon of exceptional student achievement. A multiyear, top-performing Tier 1 campus, Chamberlain places students on a proven pathway to academic success.

In an era where teacher-to-student ratios are increasingly more difficult to manage, Chamberlain places two teachers in each classroom to provide superior instruction. This approach affirms that each Chamberlain Elementary student in pre-K3-3 receive individually paced instruction instilling the knowledge, skills, success habits and character traits that lead to scholastic excellence for years to come.

Consistent with Friendship’s college preparatory approach, grades 4-8 at Chamberlain Middle follow a robust and culturally diverse curriculum that builds a mastery of core academic content, introduces prerequisites for Advanced Placement courses and nurtures students who will approach Friendship’s high-performing high school environment with confidence.

Praised as a wellspring of great teaching, Chamberlain is home to Friendship’s 2015 and 2016 Teacher of the Year winners.

 

Friendship Ideal’s early learning approach for students in grades pre-K3 to kindergarten is guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy that our children are extraordinarily capable and the world is their classroom. Through art, nature, literature, dramatic play, language, writing and music, our Reggio-inspired program nurtures students’ innate curiosity, intellect, creativity and self-confidence. Filled with joyous exploration and guided by personalized pathways, students make discoveries, learn to solve problems and collaborate, while developing the building blocks that lead to lifelong learning. Named after the area in Italy where the concept was developed, Reggio Emilia is a highly- acclaimed early-learning model where children are encouraged to explore our ever-changing world.

Led by a community of seasoned and supportive teachers, Ideal builds on its early learning program in the elementary (1-4) and middle grades (5-8) to develop knowledgeable, caring, resilient and ethical young scholars. Our rigorous academic curriculum builds strong foundations in mathematics, science, social studies, English and language arts along with exposure to foreign language study. Project-based learning that takes students out of the classroom to investigate real-world problems is a critical component of the academic day.

One of our newest elementary and middle school campuses, Friendship Ideal’s early learning classrooms are colored by all forms of patterns and expression that spark creativity and foster student inquiry. A big picture window leads our littlest learners to their outdoor classroom and garden, where they plant and play as they investigate and learn. In 2021, the Ideal campus expansion will include new classrooms, a performing arts theater, gymnasium, innovation lab and digital library.

At Southeast Elementary and Middle, every student is nurtured in an individually paced learning environment. Guided by the award-winning Every Child Ready instructional model, pre-K3-4 teachers work through academically centered themes such as Family and Community, Not All That Different, and Space and Astronomy to instill the skills necessary for lifelong learning. No matter the student’s academic, social or emotional development, Southeast teachers meet each learner at his or her level to ensure growth and school readiness.

Students in grades K-5 follow a challenging and culturally diverse curriculum that develops strong foundations in English and language arts, mathematics, science and social studies while developing character traits such as hard work, critical thinking, and teamwork. One of the few D.C. campuses with an in-house library, Southeast empowers students to explore classic and contemporary books, art and music as part of their daily school experience.

Friendship Southeast Middle nurtures young dreamers who will design and build our future.

By providing a rigorous academic curriculum that rewards innovative thinking and integrates STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) experiences into daily instruction, Southeast instills in students the foundations not only for college readiness but for lifetime STEM excellence.

Friendship opened Southeast in 2005 on the site of a former charter school. Following a $15 million investment, the new Southeast campus emerged complete with new classrooms, a gymnasium, a student dining hall, an interactive library and a technology-rich SmartLab.

College success begins with a great foundation. That’s why Woodridge International Elementary and Middle develops inquisitive, knowledgeable, and caring students who are motivated to discover more about their community and world.

Woodridge Elementary pre-K3-4th grade students follow an International Baccalaureate program that uses observation, questioning, and creative scenarios to build the skills and character traits necessary for lifelong learning. With an emphasis on Spanish language study, students explore core subject areas such as reading and mathematics with an emphasis on expression and relating to others.

Woodridge Middle students in grades 6-8 develop a deeper understanding of core content with a focus on critical analysis and college exposure. All students follow a rigorous and culturally diverse curriculum in eight areas: English and language arts, foreign language (Spanish), mathematics, science, social studies, humanities, art, and technology. Advanced Placement skills are embedded in prerequisite courses to ensure readiness for Friendship’s college-preparatory high schools.

One of the few D.C. campuses with an in-house library, Woodridge incorporates classic and contemporary books, art, and music as part of the daily school experience. A Blue Ribbon Schools nominee, Woodridge’s exceptional student outcomes have earned special visits from 43rd U.S. President George W. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush, and former U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings.

Friendship’s Online Academy is D.C.’s only fully online public charter school serving students in grades K–8. Designed to meet the unique needs of every learner, our program combines the flexibility of virtual learning with the structure and support of daily live instruction led by certified teachers.

Students participate in daily synchronous classes, engaging in real-time lessons that promote academic rigor, collaboration, and connection. Our partnership with Stride K12, a leader in online education, provides a high-quality, standards-based curriculum that supports both foundational skill-building and advanced learning opportunities. Whether your child needs additional time to master concepts or is ready for accelerated coursework, our individualized approach allows each student to progress at their own pace.

To further enhance learning, students have opportunities to meet in person with their teachers at our Nicholson Campus, where they receive targeted academic support and build meaningful relationships in a safe, nurturing environment. In addition to academic programming, students enjoy enrichment opportunities such as after-school clubs, field trips, and community events that foster social development and personal growth.

With expert instruction, real-time interaction, and personalized support—both online and in person—Friendship’s Online Academy offers a truly dynamic learning experience where every student can thrive.

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