5123 8th St NW
Washington, DC 20011

The best part was the Special Education Unit and the English Department. The ninth grade academy is a mess along with that despicable Assistant Principal. He has no parental compassion and communication skills

We are Truesdell parents of two kiddos and have been at Truesdell for 8 years. As someone who has spent 20 years as an educator in DC public, private, and charter schools (and who also teaches at the university level) I feel I have a uniquely informed perspective on what makes a school truly exceptional.Both of our children have been happy, engaged learners every single year they’ve attended Truesdell. Their teachers, year after year, have made a genuine difference. Both kids are top performers in their grades, testing well above grade level, and I credit the school environment for nurturing that love of learning and drive to excel.Like any school, Truesdell has areas to grow. I’d love to see continued investment in family communication, and I know that’s something the school is working on. Responding to students who need additional support is also an area of growth and that’s consistent throughout the city. I have also raised teacher retention with leadership, as one of the best indicators of teacher quality is teacher experience, and I hope that continues to be a priority. But in my two decades in K-12 education, I have never encountered a school without imperfections. What matters is the culture, the care, and the outcomes, and on all three counts, Truesdell delivers.My partner and I both run small businesses in this neighborhood. We’ve lived here for 17 years and feel deeply rooted in this community. Truesdell is a big part of why. We aim to give back as much as we receive, and this school has given our family so much. Our kids are more than prepared to excel in whatever comes next for them.If you’re looking for a school with a strong community, dedicated teachers, and an environment where high-performing kids can thrive…Truesdell is it. We are so grateful

I am the parent of an 8th grader at MacFarland and overall I have been pleased with my child's experience at the school. Yes, MacFarland has it's challenges like every other urban school across the country. But, the administrators, teachers and staff really do rise to the occasion in an effort to meet the kids where they are. I have seen the adults at MacFarland go the extra mile to help kids learn, grow and thrive. If your child can remain focused, pick their friends wisely and avail themselves of what is being offered, they can thrive.