Friendship PCS - Collegiate Academy

At a Glance

Friendship Public Charter School - Collegiate Academy is a high school serving grades 9 through 12 in Ward 7's Central Northeast neighborhood. Located on Minnesota Avenue NE, this charter school focuses exclusively on college preparation, offering students a comprehensive secondary education designed to prepare them for post-secondary success. As part of the Friendship Public Charter School network, Collegiate Academy emphasizes academic rigor and college readiness through a structured approach that includes advanced coursework and career-focused pathways.

What Parents Should Know

Friendship Collegiate operates as a DC public charter school, which means families apply through the My School DC lottery system during the annual enrollment period. As a grades 9-12 school, students typically enter as freshmen and remain through graduation, providing four years of continuity without the transition challenges that can come with split campus models. The school's location on Minnesota Avenue NE in Ward 7 makes it accessible to families in the Central Northeast area, though as a charter school, it's open to students from across the District.

The college preparatory focus is central to the school's identity, with all students expected to pursue post-secondary education. Families should understand that the academic program is designed to be rigorous, with significant emphasis on Advanced Placement coursework and college-level expectations. The school reports that 100% of graduates are accepted to colleges and universities, with recent alumni attending institutions including Princeton, Howard, Columbia, Brown, Spelman, Syracuse, and Georgetown.

Parents considering Friendship Collegiate should be aware of the Career Academy structure, which allows students to specialize in one of four pathways: Early College, IT & Engineering, Fine Arts, or Health Sciences. This means families will want to discuss career interests with their students before or during enrollment, as these academies shape the high school experience and course selection.

Programs and Approach

Friendship Collegiate's academic program centers on college preparation through a combination of Advanced Placement courses and specialized Career Academies. The school offers 16 AP courses, and approximately two-thirds of students enroll in multiple AP classes during their high school career. The four Career Academies—Early College, IT & Engineering, Fine Arts, and Health Sciences—provide structured pathways that allow students to explore professional fields while meeting graduation requirements.

The Early College program enables motivated students to earn college credits before graduating, with some students able to complete up to two years of college-level work while still in high school. This dual enrollment opportunity can provide both academic advancement and potential cost savings for families planning for college.

Beyond academics, the school offers interscholastic sports and an extended day program, providing students with opportunities for athletics and additional academic support or enrichment outside regular school hours. The school incorporates restorative justice practices in its approach to student discipline and community building. Online learning options are also available as part of the school's instructional model.

As a public charter school, Friendship Collegiate is tuition-free and admission is managed through the citywide My School DC lottery. Families interested in enrollment should submit an application during the annual lottery window, typically in the winter for the following school year. The school's website provides current information about application deadlines, lottery procedures, and any open house or tour opportunities.

Visiting and Contact

Friendship Public Charter School - Collegiate Academy is located at 4095 Minnesota Avenue NE in the Central Northeast neighborhood. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a visit, or accessing current enrollment information should visit http://www.friendshipschools.org/ or call 202-396-5500.