Graduate Support
Power Players
Students
Washington Jesuit Academy strives to place its graduating 8th graders into secondary schools that will further prepare them to become successful citizens of their communities. Our graduates attend independent day and boarding schools, parochial schools, as well as charter, public, and magnet programs.
The first step is working with the Academy’s High School Placement Director during the graduating student’s 8th grade year. Once our 8th grade students are admitted into high school, our program works closely with all our graduates (and their parents) to navigate the increased expectations and challenges. Our community of students and parents are encouraged to remain active participants in our Graduate Support Program.
Parents
The results of recent research are very clear: When parents are actively involved in their children's education, they do better in school. Grades and test results are higher, students’ attitudes and behavior are more positive, academic programs are more successful, and the schools are more effective. The academic level of the parents, their socioeconomic level, and their ethnic or racial origin are not determining factors for academic success. What is essential is that parents have a positive attitude regarding education and that they show trust in the potential for their children to do well.
Each year, the Graduate Support Program at WJA emphasizes to our middle school parents the importance staying engaged in the growth and development of their students; then stressing continued interaction after the student graduates middle school. Through our program, we offer support and intervention not only to our students but also peer-to-peer counseling and encouragement to our community of parents – many of whom are navigating their child’s transition from middle school to high school for the first time.
Partners
A fundamental belief of the Graduate Support Program is that a school alone cannot ensure that all students succeed. We believe youth development must be a community effort, not just an effort of those in the education or youth development fields. All sectors (non-profit, government, schools, faith-based, business, parents) must mobilize around our young people. School-Community partnerships ensure young people have multiple access points to resources to be more successful.
The Graduate Support Program has made a commitment to offer resources and support that address the needs of our alumni community. In order to put together a balanced effort, we are seeking community interest from our network of stakeholders.
For more information or partnership opportunities please contact our Graduate Support Director
Mr. Valentine Davies
202-832-7679 ext. 205