Friendship PCS - Technology Preparatory High School Academy

At a Glance

Friendship PCS - Technology Preparatory High School Academy is a public charter high school serving grades 9–12 in Southeast Washington, DC. Located in the Anacostia neighborhood of Ward 8, Tech Prep focuses on preparing students for college and careers in technology-driven fields through project-based learning in engineering, science, and robotics. The school combines rigorous academics with practical career preparation, offering pathways in high-demand industries while maintaining a college-focused curriculum. With 16 Advanced Placement courses available and Career Academies spanning multiple technical fields, Tech Prep creates an environment where students can explore both traditional academic excellence and specialized technical skills.

What Parents Should Know

As a DC public charter school, Tech Prep participates in the My School DC lottery system for admissions. Families interested in enrolling their rising ninth grader should apply during the annual lottery window, typically in the winter months. The school serves only high school grades, meaning families will need to plan for their student's transition into Tech Prep for ninth grade and should research the school's academic rigor and specialized focus to ensure it aligns with their student's interests and goals.

The school's location on Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SE in Anacostia places it in a historically significant neighborhood in Ward 8. Families should consider transportation logistics, as the location may require Metro access via the Anacostia station or bus routes serving the area. The Southeast location means the school serves many families from that quadrant of the city, though charter schools draw students from across all wards.

Two-thirds of Tech Prep students enroll in AP courses, indicating a college-preparatory academic culture with high expectations. The school reports a 100% college acceptance rate, with graduates attending institutions ranging from Ivy League universities like Yale to STEM-focused HBCUs like North Carolina A&T. This track record suggests the school provides strong college counseling and preparation for the application process.

The Career Academies structure offers focused pathways in cyber security, engineering, environmental sciences, urban agriculture, and communication arts. These specialized tracks allow students to develop marketable skills alongside their academic coursework, potentially giving them a head start on career exploration before graduation.

Programs and Approach

Tech Prep emphasizes project-based learning in engineering, science, and robotics, incorporating modern educational tools including AI and gamification. This hands-on approach aims to prepare students for the realities of working in technology fields, where theoretical knowledge must be applied to real-world problems. The school's STEM focus permeates the curriculum, though students also have access to communication arts pathways for those interested in creative and media fields.

The school offers 16 AP courses and Honors classes, providing multiple levels of academic challenge. This range of advanced coursework allows motivated students to earn college credit while still in high school and demonstrates the school's commitment to academic rigor. The availability of dual college enrollment further expands opportunities for students to get a head start on higher education.

Beyond core academics, Tech Prep provides extended day programming, interscholastic sports, and online learning options. The school maintains a school garden, likely connected to its urban agriculture Career Academy pathway, and employs a restorative justice program for discipline and community building. These elements suggest an approach that extends beyond traditional classroom instruction to develop well-rounded students.

As with all DC public charter schools, enrollment is free and open to DC residents through the My School DC lottery. Families can rank Tech Prep among their choices, and the lottery system assigns students to schools based on preference and availability. Interested families should visit the school's website for detailed information about programs, current offerings, and opportunities to tour the campus.

Visiting and Contact

Friendship PCS - Technology Preparatory High School Academy is located at 2705 Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SE in the Anacostia neighborhood. Visit https://www.friendshipschools.org/schools/tech-prep-high/ or call 202-552-5700 for tour schedules, enrollment information, and current program details.