About WJA
Our Rigorous Program
Extended-Day
WJA students attend school from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm. Long hours give teachers additional time to teach and influence students inside and outside the classroom. Their day includes:
- 8 hours of rigorous academic instruction
- Afternoon athletics, clubs and enrichment activities
- 2-hour evening study hall with opportunities for tutoring
Extended-Year
WJA students attend a mandatory Summer Institute in June and July. They take rigorous core courses each morning and spend afternoons doing enrichment activities, playing sports, implementing service projects and developing leadership and teamwork skills.
Meals Program
WJA students eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at school each day. Through a partnership with the DC Central Kitchen’s Fresh Start Catering, these meals are fresh, nutritious, often local and organic, and prepared on site. Students have access to an unlimited salad bar daily, as well as the whole grains, lean meats and natural ingredients that are often prohibitively expensive for their families.
Advisory
WJA students meet with their “advisories” each day. These small peer groups and a teacher-mentor discuss and reflect on personal, school-wide and national issues.
Graduate Support
After students graduate from WJA, they receive ongoing support as they continue their education in high school. WJA’s Graduate Support Program provides access to enrichment and leadership opportunities as well as assistance college admissions and financial aid processes.
Retreats
A perennial “favorite moment” of their WJA experience, students attend two retreats each year. They have the opportunity to enjoy the wilderness, reflect on their decisions and goals and encourage one another.