FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2014
CONTACT: KATE KENNEDY202-678-1113
WASHINGTON SCHOOL FOR GIRLS ANNOUNCES NEW NAME
The Washington School for Girls officially announces a name change from the Washington Middle School for Girls
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The formerly Washington Middle School for Girls is now the Washington School for Girls, a name that more accurately reflects the nature of the program that has included 4th and 5th grade since 2005.
Committed to empowering young women in Wards 7 and 8, the Washington School for Girls (WSG) has decided to make a change from the Washington Middle School for Girls. The name change comes following the successful establishment of 4th and 5th grade programs.
“In the 9 years since we added the 4th grade, our program has evolved into much more than a middle school. We are embracing this evolution by formally changing our name,” said Head of School, Sr. Mary Bourdon, RJM, who is one of the founders of the school. “I also believe that this change will help prospective families find us in the 4th grade, when we have the most open slots available.”
What began as an afterschool program for middle school girls in 1997 has grown over the past 17 years to encompass a full academic program on two campuses in Southeast Washington, D.C. WSG blends academic challenge with support for the social, emotional, and spiritual growth of each student by offering small classes, a rich extended day program, and a safe and caring environment for learning. The success of the program is evidenced by a 98% high school graduation rate, much higher than the neighborhood average of under 50%. A tuition-free independent Catholic school recognized by the Archdiocese of Washington, the WSG is funded entirely through private contributions and grants.
In the past three years, the WSG accomplished a number of strategic initiatives including achieving accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools and relocating the 4th and 5th grade campus to the school facility at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. “WSG has matured into a leading option for girls in Southeast DC,” said Pamela Johnson, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “We are eager to explore the ways in which we can continue to serve the community and improve the program we offer.”
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WSG is an independent, all girls, Catholic day school serving grades 4-8 in Anacostia tuition-free. To find out more about WSG’s programs, contact the school at 202-678-1113 or visit www.washingtonschoolforgirls.org.