DC's 2025 Bold Performing Schools
RELEASED OCTOBER 2025
Students at Friendship Chamberlain, 2025’s “Boldest School”
Bold Performance Schools are the DC schools that boldly support priority students — students designated as at-risk, students with disabilities, and students of color — to reach academic success. These 16 incredible schools are proving what's possible, with proficiency rates 19.5 points higher than schools serving similar levels of priority students. They also are improving 3-4x faster than the District average since the pandemic.
Bold Performance Schools are improving post-pandemic at rates that are at least 3-4 times faster than other DC schools.
2025 Bold Performance Schools:
“DC is the fastest-improving urban school system in the country, and Bold Schools like the ones we recognize today are powering that progress,” said Paul Kihn, D.C. Deputy Mayor for Education. “These schools show us how we can achieve a world where all young people, regardless of economic circumstances, succeed. Their evidence-based investments in math and reading and well-rounded approach to education, led by high-performing, dedicated educators and staff, make the difference for students and serve as a model for schools in DC and across the country.”
The 16 Bold Performance Schools have significantly higher achievement than similar schools, and the performance of their economically disadvantaged students is nearly double the state average.
Special Recognition Schools
Friendship Chamberlain Elementary - "Boldest School Award" for having the highest proficiency rates above expectations in the city
Whittier Elementary - "Enduring Excellence Award" for consistently meeting Bold Performance standards across multiple years
Barnard Elementary - "Most Inspiring School Award" for their performance and perseverance given the challenges their community faced last year
“We are proud of the seven DC Public Schools' (DCPS) communities for being recognized by EmpowerK12 as Bold Performance Schools,” said DCPS Chancellor, Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee. “Our students' hard work has resulted in remarkable gains in both math and reading, and it's because our school leaders and staff cultivate successful learning environments each day. It also means a lot to our district that long-time leaders Principal Johnson and Dr. Reid of Whittier and Barnard elementary schools, respectively, have earned special distinction for their schools' achievements.”
Key Strategies of Bold Performance Schools
Data-Driven Continuous Improvement
Daily quantitative and qualitative data dipsticks refine instructional strategies, weekly data meetings in teams, backwards mapping from goals, and using data for growth rather than faultfinding
Intentional Teacher Support and Professional Development
Protected coaching time, collaborative planning, and support that builds educator capacity around conceptual understanding of the content and maximizing every instructional minute
Building Strong Community and Relationships
Schools are "families" where students, staff, and caregivers know and support each other to meet high standards for success
Targeted Interventions and Small Group Instruction
Educators provide students who need more attempts with grade level content and predecessor skills the opportunities that meet them where they are to accelerate their learning
Emphasis on Joy, Belonging, and Student Ownership
Bold schools are more than just math and reading with daily access to fun activities that include art, science, social studies, sports, and field trips
These schools are proof that with the right approaches, all students can achieve at exceptionally high levels, even in the face of significant challenges. Their stories offer inspiring models for education transformation.