Washington Jesuit Academy

Graduates of Washington Jesuit Academy Learn from ABC7/WJLA-TV News Anchor, Leon Harris

WASHINGTON, D.C….MAY 26, 2011…As they received diplomas last night from the seventh commencement held by the Washington Jesuit Academy (WJA) – a pioneering middle school charting a fundamentally different course in education – eighth grade boys from at-risk backgrounds gleaned compelling insights from Leon Harris, the award-winning journalist and news anchor from ABC7/WJLA-TV.

Harris drew deeply from experiences in his own eventful life to illustrate ways in which he gained wisdom about how to attain future success and fulfillment. The Akron, OH native said he had come from a background in which “it wasn’t cool to be smart.” However, with the intervention of committed teachers such as the ones at WJA, Harris said he began working toward success only after being pressed to “do things I didn’t want to do.”

Harris recommended that WJA graduates never stop learning about what they’re good at… and always appreciate what you’ve got because almost nothing of what the promising grads currently have came without others’ sacrifices.

WJA provides a rigorous academic curriculum to middle school boys from at-risk backgrounds so they can prepare for success in college prep high school programs and beyond. All students are on full scholarship provided by individuals from the community.

WJA has made a dramatic impact on its students' achievement and opportunities, e.g., WJA's class of 2011 is the school’s highest-scoring 8th grade class ever to take the TerraNova exam, having attained a grade equivalency nearing the 11th grade level. As WJA graduates move to high school - often lured by scholarship offers - WJA continues to provide support, including continued mentoring and academic reinforcement. Despite the approximate 50 percent high school drop-out rate for District male teenagers, WJA alumni obtain high school diplomas at a 99 percent rate. Further, 82 percent of WJA’s college-age alumni thrive at such universities as Penn State, Loyola (MD) and Georgetown.

The school’s success story has ushered achievement, pride and once unimaginable aspirations to economically-disadvantaged boys from the District. Furthermore, while politicians and community leaders debate solution A and solution B education reform methods – what “model” is the most “efficient” in generating the highest standardized test scores – the WJA stands as solution C: A school committed to educating low-income boys in the context of truly committed and caring relationships. WJA forms enduring relationships between students, faculty, and families through a multi-dimensional program that includes extended-day (7:30am-7:30pm), extended-year (11 months), and small classes focusing on core academic skills. The comprehensive after-school program includes evening tutoring sessions, as well as extra-curricular activities. Three nutritious meals are provided daily.


Media Contact: Anna Beardsley abeardsley@wjacademy.org or 202-832-7679 ext. 290

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