Friendship PCS - Collegiate Academy Online

At a Glance

Friendship Public Charter School - Collegiate Academy Online is a fully virtual high school serving students in grades 9-12 in Ward 7. Located at 4095 Minnesota Avenue NE in the Central Northeast neighborhood, this charter school offers DC families a flexible online learning option with a strong focus on college preparation and career readiness. The school provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes 16 Advanced Placement courses and four distinct Career Academies, allowing students to pursue specialized pathways while earning college credit before graduation.

What Parents Should Know

As a DC public charter school, Friendship Collegiate Online participates in the My School DC common lottery system for admissions. Families interested in enrolling should submit their applications during the lottery window, typically in the winter for the following school year. Late applications are accepted on a rolling basis if space remains available.

The online format requires students to have reliable internet access and the self-discipline to manage virtual coursework, though the school provides structure and support through its digital platforms. This can be an excellent fit for students who need schedule flexibility, prefer independent learning, or have circumstances that make traditional brick-and-mortar attendance challenging.

The school's career academy model means that students choose a specialized pathway—Early College, IT & Engineering, Fine Arts, or Health Sciences—which helps focus their high school experience around their interests and post-secondary goals. Two-thirds of students at Friendship Collegiate Online take on multiple AP courses, demonstrating the school's commitment to rigorous academic preparation.

Parents should know that despite being a virtual school, Friendship Collegiate maintains the same college-focused mission as other Friendship schools in the network. Every graduate gains acceptance to college, with alumni attending competitive institutions including Princeton, Howard University, Columbia, Spelman, and Georgetown.

Programs and Approach

The school's academic model centers on preparing students for college success through both rigor and flexibility. With 16 AP courses available, students have substantial opportunities to challenge themselves with college-level work and potentially earn college credit while still in high school. The dual enrollment option further extends this opportunity, allowing students to take actual college courses that count toward both their high school diploma and future college degree.

The four Career Academies give students focused pathways aligned with their interests and career goals. The Early College academy emphasizes accumulating college credits quickly—students can earn up to two years of college credit before graduating high school. The IT & Engineering academy prepares students for technology and engineering fields, while the Fine Arts academy supports students pursuing creative disciplines. The Health Sciences academy serves those interested in medical and health-related careers.

As an online school, Friendship Collegiate uses digital platforms to deliver instruction, but maintains expectations for academic performance and student engagement. The school offers extended day programming and has adopted a restorative justice approach to student discipline and community building, even in the virtual environment. Interestingly, the school also participates in interscholastic sports, providing students opportunities for athletic participation despite the online format.

Enrollment follows the standard DC charter school process through My School DC. Families can rank Friendship Collegiate Online on their lottery application alongside other public and charter school choices. As with all DC public charter schools, there is no tuition, and transportation is the family's responsibility, though the online nature of the school means students primarily learn from home.

Visiting and Contact

Friendship Public Charter School - Collegiate Academy Online is located at 4095 Minnesota Avenue NE in the Central Northeast neighborhood of Ward 7. For information about virtual tours, enrollment deadlines, and the online learning platform, visit https://www.friendshipschools.org or call 202-396-5500.