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#148 of 240 schools in DC

Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts

High School · Richard Wright PCS for Journalism and Media Arts

475 SCHOOL STREET SW, Washington, DC 20024

Charter

Enrollment

309

Student-Teacher

12.9:1

Score

5.8

Grades

8th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Washington

#148 of 239

public schools

District of Columbia high schools

#27 of 40

Academic growth

8.4 / 10

Very strong

About Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts

Richard Wright PCS for Journalism and Media Arts is a charter high school located in the heart of Washington, D.C., offering a unique educational experience to students in grades 8 through 12. With an enrollment of 309 students, the school fosters a supportive learning environment with a student-teacher ratio of 12.9:1, allowing for personalized attention and mentorship. The school's focus on journalism and media arts sets it apart, providing students with specialized courses and opportunities to develop their creative skills.

While the academic performance data shows room for improvement—students scoring at 22% proficient or above in ELA/Reading and only 5% proficient or above in Math—the school is committed to student development through its tailored curriculum. Richard Wright PCS aims to nurture young journalists, filmmakers, and media professionals by offering a range of electives and extracurricular activities that cater to these interests. Located in the bustling city center, the school is surrounded by cultural institutions, government buildings, and diverse neighborhoods, providing ample opportunities for students to engage with their community.

Richard Wright PCS for Journalism and Media Arts stands out as an institution dedicated to fostering creativity and critical thinking among its students.

What Parents Should Know

Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.4Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-0.83 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendStable
Academics6.0Above Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency2.5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency22%
Overall Proficiency12%
Expected (poverty-adj.)18%
vs. Expected-6.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile43th
College Readiness3.6Fair30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation12.9%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment5.6Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$28,557

Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts — Students at Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts score 12% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 18%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores DC EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 5.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 22.0%
School
State
N/A

Based on 4 test records from DC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
7.5%
ELA
22%
2022
Math
2.5%
ELA
22%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 8.4/10.

How Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts Compares

See how Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.8/10
39th percentile in DC
Academic
6.0/10
6.0/10
Growth
8.4/10
Above average
Environment
5.6/10
Above average

Location

475 SCHOOL STREET SW, Washington, DC 20024

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts may also want to explore other high schools in the area. BASIS DC PCS (rated 7.5/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Girls Global Academy PCS (rated 7.5/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, TEMPLETON ACADEMY (rated 5.9/10, 0.8 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Washington, see our Washington schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.4 mi
School Distance Rating
AppleTree Early Learning Center PCS - Southwest Washington 0.0 mi 7.4
Washington Global PCS Washington 0.0 mi 7.8
Amidon-Bowen ES Washington 0.3 mi 6.9
Jefferson MS Academy Washington 0.4 mi 5.4
WATERFRONT ACADEMY Washington 0.5 mi
SMITHSONIAN EARLY ENRICHMENT CENTER Washington 0.6 mi
TEMPLETON ACADEMY Washington 0.8 mi 5.9
BASIS DC PCS Washington 0.8 mi 7.5
Girls Global Academy PCS Washington 1.1 mi 7.5
CAPITOL HILL DAY SCHOOL Washington 0.9 mi 7.4
Brent ES Washington 0.9 mi 7.7
ST PETER SCHOOL Washington 0.9 mi 6.3
DISTRICT MONTESSORI Washington 1.0 mi
Eagle Academy PCS - Capitol Riverfront Washington 1.3 mi 5.3
GONZAGA COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL Washington 1.3 mi 3.7
Walker-Jones Education Campus Washington 1.4 mi 5.6
Peabody ES (Capitol Hill Cluster) Washington 1.2 mi 5.9
Van Ness ES Washington 1.2 mi 5.3
Capitol Hill Montessori School at Logan Washington 1.3 mi 6.1
Thomson ES Washington 1.4 mi 8.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 20024 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$102,623

Median Home Value

$497,100

Median Rent

$2,121/mo

Population

16,197

College Educated

69.8%

Homeownership

31.9%

Avg Commute

26.4 min

Poverty Rate

17.7%

Median Age

36.3

Community Profile

The community surrounding Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts has a median household income of $102,623. It is a well-educated community where 70% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $497,100, with a median rent of $2,121/month. The area has a poverty rate of 17.7%. The average commute for residents is 26 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Luke C. Moore HS Washington, DC 5.7
ARCHBISHOP CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL Washington, DC 5.5
Kingsman Academy PCS Washington, DC 6.1
ST ANSELM'S ABBEY SCHOOL Washington, DC 6.2
The SEED PCS of Washington DC Washington, DC 6.2
THE FIELD SCHOOL Washington, DC 6.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts

What grades does Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts serve?

Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts serves students in grades 8th through 12th.

How many students attend Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts?

Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts has an enrollment of approximately 309 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts?

The student-teacher ratio at Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts is 12.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts rank in DC?

Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts is ranked #148 out of 240 schools in DC.

What is Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts's MySchoolScout rating?

Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts has a composite rating of 5.8 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts has 5.0% math proficiency and 22.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts a charter school?

Yes, Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts a Title I school?

No, Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (4,514/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Washington). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
8th – 12th
Enrollment
309
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
24
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
District of Columbia
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Richard Wright PCS for Journalism and Media Arts
District Enrollment
309
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$30,493
District Rank
#1 of 1

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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