Thurgood Marshall Academy PCS

At a Glance

Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter High School serves students in grades 9 through 12 in the Hillsdale neighborhood of Ward 8 in Southeast Washington, DC. As a public charter school, Thurgood Marshall Academy operates independently with its own board while receiving public funding and serving DC residents tuition-free. The school's mission centers on preparing students for college success and active participation in democratic society, emphasizing a college-preparatory model throughout all four years of high school.

With more than sixteen graduating classes achieving 100% college acceptance, Thurgood Marshall Academy has established a clear track record in its specialized focus area. The school serves families looking for a high school specifically designed around college preparation, making it particularly relevant for students and families prioritizing postsecondary education as a goal.

What Parents Should Know

Thurgood Marshall Academy enrolls students through the My School DC common lottery system, the unified enrollment platform used by DC public charter schools and DCPS. Families interested in enrollment for ninth grade should submit applications during the regular My School DC window, typically in the winter for the following school year, though the school may have openings in grades 10-12 depending on availability.

As a four-year high school serving only grades 9-12, students entering Thurgood Marshall Academy should expect to complete their entire high school career at this location. This means eighth-grade families need to actively choose and apply to a high school, as students won't automatically continue from a middle school feeder pattern. Conversely, families with students already in high school should know that the transition into 10th, 11th, or 12th grade may be more limited depending on seat availability.

The school's location on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE in Hillsdale places it in Ward 8, an area of Southeast DC that has historically been underserved by educational options. For families throughout the District, transportation is an important consideration when applying to schools outside their immediate neighborhood, though DC students may be eligible for transportation support depending on distance and grade level.

Thurgood Marshall Academy admits students regardless of race, color, national and ethnic origin, and does not discriminate in its educational policies, admissions, or programs. The school also prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and provides reasonable accommodations upon request.

Programs and Approach

As a public charter high school, Thurgood Marshall Academy operates with the flexibility to design its own curriculum and school culture while remaining accountable to its charter and DC performance standards. The school's explicit mission around college preparation suggests a curriculum and support structure oriented toward ensuring students are academically ready for postsecondary education. The emphasis on democratic engagement indicates attention to civic education and student voice alongside traditional academics.

Charter high schools in DC often provide a more focused environment than larger comprehensive high schools, allowing for specific programmatic approaches. Families should consider whether a college-prep-focused environment aligns with their student's interests and goals. The school's sustained record of college acceptance across sixteen-plus graduating classes indicates established systems for college counseling, application support, and academic preparation.

Enrollment happens through My School DC, where families can rank Thurgood Marshall Academy alongside other high school options. The lottery system aims to provide equitable access, with some schools offering preferences for siblings or other criteria detailed in their lottery preference policies.

Visiting and Contact

Thurgood Marshall Academy is located at 2427 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE in the Hillsdale neighborhood of Southeast DC. Families interested in learning more about the school's approach, visiting the building, or understanding current enrollment availability should visit http://www.thurgoodmarshallacademy.org/ or call 202-563-6862 for tour information and answers to specific questions about the school community.