> Programs & Support Services
Thurgood Marshall Academy ensures that every student has the resources he or she needs to succeed. To that end, we provide the following support programs to address student needs that go beyond academics.
Summer Prep
All incoming 9th and 10th graders are required to
take Summer Prep, a five-week summer course that prepares
students for the academic and behavioral expectations
of a college-preparatory high school.
Special Education
A five-person special education team provides students with diagnosed needs with the resources they need to be academically successful. Services are provided within mainstreamed classes and in pull-out sessions.
Clinical Counseling
Students have access to a clinical counselor who can address their emotional lives and needs.
College Summit
Programs and College Counseling staff use College Summit's senior year curriculum to guide all seniors through the college application process. Students meet with their College Summit advisor twice a week during the school day to set goals for the future, research college options, prepare college essays, and create résumés. By the end of their senior year, students will produce a senior portfolio which will help them apply to various colleges and universities.
Law Day
Local law firms host our 9th-grade students in monthly workshops designed to familiarize students with the US Legal system through mock trials, round table discussions, and interactive case studies. Previous Law Day topics have included desegregation, civil rights and discrimination, gang laws, the First Amendment, Japanese internment, and the death penalty. Georgetown Law Center's Street Law Clinic collaborates with Thurgood Marshall Academy to provide curricula and training for host firms. If you would like more information about hosting a Law Day workshop at your firm, please contact us.
Mentoring
Thurgood Marshall Academy pairs a student with a professional adult who can offer support, advice, and guidance during a student's final years of high school and the critical post-secondary planning process. Mentoring can improve a student's attitude toward school, enhance his/her confidence, and afford the invaluable opportunity to interact with a positive role model. One Saturday morning a month, Thurgood Marshall Academy mentors and students gather to participate in a variety of fun and enriching activities. Past Mentor Day events have included Georgetown basketball games, museum scavenger hunts, IMAX movies, and college campus visits. Our program recruits mentors from various professional backgrounds and requires a commitment of approximately five hours each month. If you are interested in being a mentor, please fill out our Mentor Application.
Tutoring
Homework Zone is Thurgood Marshall Academy's after-school study space designed to provide all students with the resources they need to understand and complete their homework. On Mondays and Thursdays, Homework Zone offers students one-on-one tutoring, access to faculty, a chance to work collaboratively with other students, and a variety of enrichment activities. Programs staff provide a snack for Homework Zone participants in the cafeteria immediately after dismissal. Tutors include school faculty and staff and trained students from George
Washington
University
and Georgetown
University.
Law Firm Tutoring
Every Tuesday after school, 11th graders and selected 12th graders travel to Thurgood Marshall Academy's partner law firms to complete their homework with the assistance of legal professionals. Tutors at law firms work on-one-one with students to prepare for tests, complete projects, and discuss college/career goals. Dinner is provided for all students at the law firms. (Our Partners page lists participating law firms.)
Teen
Action
Thurgood Marshall Academy offers a comprehensive
service-learning program that combines a series of
community service activities with instruction and
reflection. Students earn community service hours
and explore their leadership and project planning
skills through participation in a weekly after school
club co-facilitated by Programs staff and DC Today...DC Tomorrow (students from George Washington
and American
Universities). Under the direction of their club advisors, Teen Action leaders organize monthly service projects to provide opportunities for all students to work toward the completion of their 100 service-hour graduation requirement.
Student Leadership
Program
The Student Leadership Program is designed to equip promising student leaders with the skills, tools, and resources necessary to achieve their leadership potential. Students meet after school for leadership training on topics like conflict resolution, peer counseling, diversity, study techniques, resume building, and communication skills. They also learn how to facilitate discussions and increase students' understanding of anti-bias issues. Students serve as an example to the entire school and use their training to educate and influence members of our community. Students and staff receive training from the Anti-Defamation League's World of Difference Program.
Clubs and Other Extracurricular
Activities
Clubs and other extracurricular activities encourage participation in school and community activities and support achievement by requiring participants to maintain high grades. The nonprofit professional company Dance
Place offers hip hop dance classes, while nonprofit dance company EduDance teaches salsa and ballroom dancing.
Thurgood Marshall Academy sponsors a variety of clubs
through which students can explore areas of interest
and gain leadership skills outside the classroom. Clubs
are coordinated by Programs staff but may be initiated
by students, faculty/staff, or external organizations. School
clubs include the Gospel Choir, Art Club, Dance Team,
Film Club, MOST (Men of Strength), Newspaper Club,
Youth and Government, City Year–VYBE girls' club,
Ultimate Frisbee, Spanish Club, Salsa, Money Matters,
and Yearbook. Clubs meet before or after school
at the discretion of the advisor.
Athletics
Thurgood Marshall Academy belongs to the Washington Charter High School Athletic Association and sponsors a co-ed flag football team, boys' and girls' basketball, cheerleading, and sailing. Sports teams practice and compete after school under the direction of coaches. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 to participate in the athletics program.
