Thurgood Marshall Academy Makes Strides with AP® Program
Jan. 2010
Thurgood Marshall Academy in Washington, D.C., serves Ward 8, the most disadvantaged community in the nation’s capital, where 72 percent of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. The law-themed public charter high school opened its doors in 2001 and claims its steady growth in AP participation is a main reason for its success.
The academy prepares 390 students in grades 9–12 to succeed in college and to actively engage in our democratic society by helping them develop their own voices and teaching them to solve complex problems, think critically and advocate persuasively for themselves — the same skills lawyers and politicians need. Recently nominated a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, the school boasts 100 percent college acceptance rates for all five graduating classes.
A key element of Thurgood Marshall’s success is its17 honors and Advanced Placement courses. Four AP courses — U.S. Government, U.S. History, English Literature and English Language — are currently offered, with plans to include AP math and science and additional social studies courses. Student demand for these courses has grown steadily: 43 percent of the class of 2009 successfully completed an AP course at the school, taking 72 AP Exams and earning a total of 14 passing scores.
Professional development is a high priority for Thurgood Marshall’s AP program. Teachers are studying successful models and attending AP workshops. The school wants as many content-specific non-AP teachers as possible to receive AP training as well, in an effort to help all students prepare for eventual success in AP classes.
Perhaps, one day, a graduate of Thurgood Marshall Academy will assume the seat once held by the famous chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court for whom the school is named, thus affirming Marshall’s vision “that all children have the right to a first-class education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
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