Alice Deal Junior High School

Alice Deal Junior High School is a public middle school located in the Tenleytown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., serving students from Chevy Chase, Forest Hills, and other nearby areas, including American University Park and Van Ness. The school is named after Alice Deal, a former District of Columbia Public Schools educator, and is part of the District of Columbia Public Schools system, which also includes schools like Woodrow Wilson High School and Duke Ellington School of the Arts. The school has a diverse student body, with students from various backgrounds, including Latin America, Africa, and Asia, and has partnerships with organizations like National Geographic and Smithsonian Institution. The school's curriculum is designed to prepare students for high schools like Sidwell Friends School and Georgetown Day School.

● History

The school was established in 1958, during the tenure of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and has since undergone several renovations, including a major expansion in the 1990s, under the leadership of Mayor Marion Barry and Chancellor Michelle Rhee. The school has a rich history, with notable events like the Civil Rights Movement and the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, which took place in nearby National Mall. The school has also been influenced by the Washington, D.C. riots and the 1968 Democratic National Convention, and has hosted events with notable figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Thurgood Marshall. The school's history is also connected to the United States Department of Education and the National Education Association, which have shaped the school's curriculum and policies.

● Campus

The school's campus is located on Fort Gaines Street and features a mix of modern and historic buildings, including the Deal Middle School Building, which was designed by Architect of the Capitol and features a unique blend of Art Deco and Modern architecture. The campus is surrounded by Rock Creek Park and is near the National Zoo, which provides opportunities for outdoor education and recreation, in partnership with organizations like National Park Service and Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. The school's campus is also close to the Van Ness Metro station, which provides easy access to other parts of the city, including Downtown Washington, D.C. and Georgetown. The school has a strong connection to the University of the District of Columbia and the Gallaudet University, which provide resources and support for students.

● Academics

The school offers a rigorous academic program, with courses in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, as well as foreign languages like Spanish and French. The school has a strong focus on STEM education, with partnerships with organizations like NASA and National Science Foundation, and offers advanced courses like Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate. The school's curriculum is designed to prepare students for high schools like St. Albans School and National Cathedral School, and has a strong emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving, in line with the Common Core State Standards Initiative and the Next Generation Science Standards. The school also offers courses in arts and music, in partnership with organizations like John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and National Symphony Orchestra.

● Extracurricular Activities

The school offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports teams like basketball, soccer, and volleyball, as well as clubs like debate team, drama club, and student council. The school has a strong focus on community service, with partnerships with organizations like American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity, and offers opportunities for students to participate in volunteer work and service learning projects, in line with the National Service-Learning Partnership and the Corporation for National and Community Service. The school also has a strong music program, with performances at venues like Kennedy Center and Strathmore, and has hosted events with notable figures like Yo-Yo Ma and Wynton Marsalis.

● Notable Alumni

The school has a number of notable alumni, including politicians like Eleanor Holmes Norton and Vincent Gray, as well as business leaders like Ted Leonsis and Sheila Johnson. The school's alumni have gone on to attend top universities like Harvard University and Stanford University, and have achieved success in fields like law, medicine, and engineering, with notable figures like Sonia Sotomayor and Neil deGrasse Tyson. The school's alumni have also made significant contributions to the arts and entertainment, with notable figures like Dave Chappelle and Wale, and have been recognized with awards like the Pulitzer Prize and the Grammy Award. The school's alumni network is strong, with connections to organizations like Alumni Association of the University of the District of Columbia and Washington, D.C. Chamber of Commerce.

Category:Middle schools in Washington, D.C.