Oyster-Adams Bilingual School in Washington

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	10/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 District of Columbia Comprehensive Assessments of Progress in Education data from DC Public Schools.
Student Growth	8/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education, and using 2025 Percentage of students meeting growth target data from DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education.

Posted: September 14, 2025

This school is exceptional. They are dedicated, mission-aligned staff who respect the historical legacy that OA carries. This was the first bilingual school in the Northeast US, and every day they work to honor the Salvadorian immigrants who built this place, and all the families (from around Latin America and the world) who continue to make it incredible. I am honored to have my kids here with this team.

Posted: July 27, 2025

This school is honestly great the teachers are very charming a lot of students are very friendly and the school is like a cheat code to learn Spanish

Posted: May 28, 2025

Weve had a great experience at this school. The teachers and staff are very talented, friendly and warm with the students. My sons enjoy going to school very much and never want to leave while they are playing with their friends. The parents community is very involved and engaged and are always looking for ways to contribute and make the school even better.

Posted: April 14, 2025

There is a deeply concerning level of administrative ineffectiveness at this school, raising serious questions about the leadership responsible for shaping our childrens educational experiences. Unfortunately, the issues extend beyond poor managementthey reflect broader systemic problems that can no longer be overlooked.

The school environment seems to be influenced by a narrow ideological approach and lacks the cultural and linguistic diversity necessary to create a truly inclusive space. The overwhelming presence of Spanish-speaking staff and students, while representing a part of the community, has led to an atmosphere in which those from other backgrounds often feel marginalized or excluded.

An inclusive school must do more than celebrate diversity in theory, it must actively cultivate an environment where every student and family feels seen, valued, and supported. At present, this is not the case.

This situation demands a serious and transparent reassessment of the schools leadership, communication practices, and commitment to equity. A thoughtful and comprehensive review of current policies is both necessary and urgent.

As a parent, I deeply regret enrolling my child in an institution that has fallen so far short of its responsibility to provide a safe, fair, and welcoming learning environment.

Posted: December 19, 2023

When we first came to this school, we didn't speak Spanish well. Now, we are fluent and we know a lot more than we used to. Oyster Adams helped us to this. It is such a good school that supports its individuals such as parents, teachers, staff, and of course, students. We think that Oyster-Adams is an extremely welcoming community that really cares for and lifts us up and beyond what we thought was possible while keeping us in our comfort zones. I would totally recommend this school to any who would like a welcoming community that also speaks Spanish.

Posted: November 19, 2023

If you ever have to deal with the principal or his appointed VPs, expect delay, gaslighting, lack of transparency, patronizing and half-truths at levels only surpassed by his blatant inadequacy to serve in his role.

Posted: May 23, 2023

After being involved in the school community for 9 years, I can say that I am unimpressed. Over that time the school has been on its fall. The new administration is very disappointing. They dont have good priorities and deal with many v things badly. I would not recommend this school to anyone else unless they just want their children to learn Spanish.

Posted: March 7, 2023

We have kids in both campuses, elementary and middle. The elementary school works reasonably well: PK and K are Spanish immersion. If your family speaks Spanish at home, your kids will be bilingual. If your family does not, your kids will have good Spanish skills, but they will not be anywhere near native speaker fluency even after 10 years. Demographic data is somewhat misleading, as many Hispanic families are highly educated and economically privileged world bank, IDB, diplomats, etc, and for some their privilege shows in not the best ways.
The ratings in this site that compare the schools to others in the state (meaning the District) are relatively meaningless because the DCPS schools includes numerous underperforming schools, students, and teachers, so doing better than their peers is a low bar.
Rookie principal has been unable to fill the shoes of previous one: lacks vision, management skills, communication skills, and has managed to antagonize or alienate veteran teachers while enabling low performing ones. Some teachers are great. Other teachers are poorly organized, ill prepared, unresponsive, and disinterested in their job. In grades 6 and up one teacher covers all sections of a subject, so if your kid gets a bad teacher for that grade, there is no escaping. The principal seems unable or unwilling to motivate or push underperforming teachers to get their act together. The school is declining in quality, but appears better by comparison with the rest of the DCPS system, only because DCPS has significant systemic problems.
Recommend for PK-3 without hesitation, less enthusiastically for 4 & 5 grades, and suggest you consider alternatives for 6th and beyond if you are fortunate to have that option, although if you do not you could certainly do much worse in DCPS than Adams.

Posted: March 2, 2023

If you want your student to become bilingual this school checks the box. And Oyster is fine, but Adams us full of bullying, incompetent disappoint, teaching staff who doesnt meaningfully engage, and lacks leadership to set a direction to repair.

Posted: January 7, 2023

What an exemplary school. Our son is in second grade and completely fluent in Spanish and English. He loves going to school each day and is on track for reading writing and math. He has shown some challenges controlling his behavior, and instead of ostracizing him, the entire school from Ms Rosa the assistant principal and her counseling staff to his teachers have wrapped him in love and additional support to help him develop the tools to be part of the community.

It might not have the fancy campus of the local private schools but I dont believe any school does as much for the positive development of their students as Oyster.

Posted: October 26, 2022

We have 2 children at the school. Our first child completed K-8 and is now in high school. Our second child is in 3rd grade. Our older daughter got a great education - she is in advanced Math in high school and speaks English, Spanish and Chinese. Our children are also aware of other cultures. Our 3rd grader benefited from full immersion pre-K and K which has made her basically fluent in Spanish. The teachers are warm and caring. The elementary program is stellar. The Middle school program could be improved, but it is still very good. We have been very happy with the school and would not have chosen another school for our children.

Posted: October 25, 2022

We have been extremely happy with the education and cultural experience our child is receiving at Oyster. The school have excellent educators and collaborators that truly care for the wellbeing of every child. We could not recommend it more highly.

Posted: May 3, 2021

We have had an amazing experience with Oyster Adams. The teachers are very supportive of student's different learning styles. They always make sure everyone is happy and understands the material. Teachers also try to intellectually stimulate every student, without making anyone feel behind or bored. The leadership is very effective at creating a big community where every student, staff member, and parent fells happy and safe. Teachers, counselors, and leadership all work together as a team to create the best learning environment possible. Students know each other very well because it is a relatively small school, and they get along with each other for the most part. Students are able able create lifelong bonds with each other because they know everyone so intimately. The bilingual element is great for expanding a child's mind, and they have a very strong system for teaching children Spanish ,and improving the Spanish of those who already speak it at home. Our child went from being able to say hello and goodbye to having an enormous vocabulary that allows our child to have a full conversation in Spanish. Our child was already becoming fluent after just a couple of years. This is an amazing school and we would recommend it to anyone considering enrolling their child.

Posted: May 3, 2021

Posted: December 1, 2019

Oyster Adams is an excellent school! From the teachers, to the principal, and the entire community...it is a great place for learning.

Posted: December 1, 2019

Posted: July 10, 2018

I have been so pleased with Oyster Adam for my children.

Posted: February 6, 2018

I have been a substitute for many class sessions and I have always been favorably impressed. Great office staff, great teachers, great administrators, great kids :)

Posted: February 6, 2018

Posted: January 26, 2017

Our daughter started kindergarten last year and we have been very impressed with the school!The environment is warm and caring, the teachers are extremely dedicated and the kids learn so much!

To be honest, I was worried before our daughter started the school. Our daughter hardly spoke any Spanish before starting, so I was worried how that would affect her. She has found the Spanish immersion half day tough sometimes, but the school is completely geared for teaching kids like her (probably half her class didn't speak much Spanish in advance, while one or two didn't speak much English) and she has learnt so much in just half a year.

I was also a little worried about the diversity of the school. Would it be completely dominated by Hispanics? I am not a Spanish-speaker myself, so I wasn't sure I would feel at home. But that worry has long been forgotten! The community is more diverse than I had dared hope and everybody is made feel a part of the community.

We are very happy with our choice to move to the neighborhood to get into this school!

Posted: February 10, 2015

We have nothing but rave reviews for OYSTER- ADAMS! We have a 1st and 3rd grader that began in 2014 after our move from a Dallas dual language school. The principal is energetic and focussed on rigor and teacher quality. Teachers work with a sense or urgency. The campus has a unique culture of respect for each student. Students are from all over the world. They appear engaged and happy. Multiple teachers in each classroom make a difference with rigor and differentiation. And the active PTO helps fund additional arts enrichment. We feel lucky to be apart of this thriving K-8th grade campus!

Posted: December 30, 2014

Our daughter started in Kindergarten this year, and our experience has been pretty positive for the most part. We were excited to have the bilingual option as we've been trying to raise our child in a dual-language home and wanted to reinforce that academically. Many families come into Oyster viewing it as an alternative to private options that teach spanish...it is not. Oyster is very diverse, which can be a blessing and a curse for those interested in developing solid spanish-language skills. Many students enter as native speakers, while others have no exposure to spanish when they start. This means teachers often have to cater to lower levels for both Spanish and English. While the new administration says they're interested in differentiated instruction, the reality is that this is very difficult with large class sizes. Our child's spanish has actually gotten worse since starting here! However, Oyster is a wonderful environment with dedicated and passionate teachers, and a real community feel to it. She has made many friends and is developing well socially and emotionally, but we'll have to supplement the spanish learning in other ways.

Posted: August 19, 2014

i think the school is greate i just entered this school and it is the best school ever

Posted: June 12, 2014

The school is outstanding for its academics, diversity and bilingual immersion program. While all schools have pros and cons I believe that my child is getting a great education academically and socially that is comparable to any other public or private school in the area. We have friends with kids in other area schools, both public and private and they all complain about one thing or another. The complaints range from being unhappy with a teacher encounter or a particular policy. However, my daughter is thriving academically and she is now bilingual. So, the school is a great fit for our family.

Posted: April 28, 2014

We are at Oyster elementary this year (Kindergarten) and we have been VERY happy with the school! The teachers are wonderful and my daughter has made huge progress this year. I like that the teachers try to differentiate in the classroom through small groups so they are able to meet the needs of all kids wherever the child is at. I appreciate the use of field trips to make learning a bit more hands on. I have appreciated the school community and the efforts to support families along with children. Overall we are thrilled with the school!

Posted: February 20, 2014

The school has no leadership. Teachers are totally unsupported and left on the own battling their own problems with no support from their principal or from the rest of the very incompetent administration. As a result there are a number of growing discipline problems. The school does not have a consistent or effective behavior management system so children do whatever they want. This is particularly true in 5th grade this year. Overall, there is a tone of disrespect and disorganization across the building. The school runs thanks to the very competent and dedicated teachers not the administration. By 5th grade many parents take their children out in search of a more structured and organized middle school that handles problems like these more effectively.

Posted: January 13, 2014

We have had an awful experience with the Spanish Assistant Principal in the middle school campus who doesn't seem to be capable of managing discipline problems or anything else for that matter. Our child has been suffering from constant bullying from the very beginning of the year and nothing seems to be done by either the administration of the school counselor. We are not impressed by the incompetency of the administration to handle these matters. It is incredibly frustrating for parents and students.

Posted: November 11, 2013

We agree with the review below that the environment is that of a big family. To be honest, that is not enough for us. It is important that there is a nurturing environment where the kids feel safe but no when the academics are put at risk. We have been very disappointed with the school's policy of "one size fits all" where kids who have the potential do not get challenged once they get to Middle School. We are also shocked by the incompetency of both assistant principals (one of them has been very rude to us) and their uninspiring principal. The ongoing and increasing discipline problems that don't seem to get resolved are also a problem. As, one parent points out, there are not real consequences for those who do not follow the rules. I agree that most of the teachers are excellent and very committed to the bilingual program but there is not much they can do with so little support from their administration. You can sense their frustrations as soon as you enter the school.

Posted: November 2, 2013

I am well aware that Oyster Adams is not for everyone. It is fairly chaotic, zero leveled math except for one pretty low-key eighth grade Algebra 1 class, and yes, some questionable teachers. But honestly, this school is home. The environment is that of a big family. Everyone loves everyone and tries to make them happy and smart and wonderful. It's not a touchy-feely kind of support, it's more that you know you're loved when you walk in those doors. OA kids are fiercely loyal, unbelievably intelligent, unified, and more than prepared for the real world. It may not be "challenging" or have a GT program, but the unflinching devotion of everybody in these schools is palpable. The middle school is small and by the time the kids graduate, they might as well be siblings. It's not that everything is about bonding, this bonding just happens and it is beautiful to watch. The kids cry on the last day of school. They high-five on the first. The teachers will do anything if the kid tries hard enough, and believe me, many of those teachers are unparalleled elsewhere. I cannot give OA enough praise. Try and look past the critics and into the heart of this school, and you will be blown away.

Posted: October 27, 2013

As the parent below points out, Oyster Adams is about uncertainty and miscommunication which is very frustrating for both parents and teachers. Classrooms are under resourced and teachers are overloaded with work (some of them have over 50 students) whilst the funds are directed to pay for 3 not very effective assistant principals. It would make more sense to invest that money in the classrooms to support the teachers instead. Besides this, discipline continues to be a problem as there are not real consequences for bad behavior. Bullying is also an issue. Students have a lot of power and they know it. The school is falling apart rapidly.

Posted: October 4, 2013

O-A is currently considered the best Spanish instruction in DCPS. It has a more diverse and educated Spanish-speaking population than other public and charter schools. Very international, tolerant, and welcoming to families of mixed heritages. However, it can be frustrating. The teaching model seems to change often because DCPS budget and staff models aren't applicable to O-A being in two locations. Elementary grades are split over a mile apart but DCPS gives one music teacher. Parents pay for a second one. No longer two teachers per classroom. Some teachers work with 50 children. High % of SPED but under-resourced. Middle school is VERY small. Principal is aware of challenges and growing bilingual competition from charters. My children have been happy and the community is generous with money and time. But the school is very dependent on families. More and more are exploring charters. But O-A continues to be the leading bilingual school in the city. If you can handle uncertainty and some miscommunication, but enjoy creativity and diversity, it can be a great school.

Posted: September 23, 2013

We love this school!! The Prinicpals, teachers, the support staff and the parents are so focus on the academic success for the children. Whenever I have any concerns about my child's development. The staff's open door policy and strategies has always help my child make progress and strengthen her confidence. We are a big family that I feel tries very hard to put out the fires that can destroy our children foundation for the future. It's not the building, but it's the people inside that shapes the children's future. Bravo, Bravo to our Oyster-Adams family!!! Let's keep moving forward for our children's future. Ask not what your child's school can do for you, but what you can do for your child's school to make it better.

Posted: July 2, 2013

Teacher morale is low and dissatisfaction very high. Teachers feel unsupported and often disrespected. Staff turnover is very high. We need a more supportive and efficient administration for the school to survive.

Posted: June 11, 2013

What I love most about Oyster elementary is the social environment. Truly a supportive and diverse community, a place to build life skills. I am very happy that my kids are there.

Posted: May 15, 2013

Having a bilingual program is great. The trouble is kids need to master & excel in skills beyond languages later in life and Adams does not offer a challenging academic curriculum in the middle school years. I hope they get it right someday. It's just disappointing my kids won't see the benefits...

Posted: May 11, 2013

Discipline problems are on the increase in the middle school due to poor leadership. In addition quality of instruction varies from classroom to classroom as there is no real supervision to ensure consistency. My kids have had very good teachers and very bad ones too. Teachers receive very little support and are left on their own to battle the daily problems. Many are very fed up. I agree with some of the comments that parents have posted here. The school really needs new leadership to survive.

Posted: March 23, 2013

Great teachers but very poor administration. Both, teachers and parents are frustated with the current principal and her team. The school needs new leadership to survive.

Posted: March 22, 2013

The teachers at the school are great and very committed to make the dual program successful. However the administration is weak and uninspiring. The current principal is not acting as a leader and seems to be unable to make any decisions at all. The assistant principals are just as bad. The middle school campus in particular is badly run. Discipline problems are on the increase because there isn't a clear policy for students. Students misbehave because the school allows them to do so. It is a real shame.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	The Willoughby	Condominium/Townhouse	Chevy Chase	MD	3.2 mi
2	The VIO	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Washington SW	DC	3.7 mi
3	Takoma Park	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Takoma Park	MD	5 mi
4	Twenty400	Apartment Complex	Arlington	VA	5.3 mi
5	Leeway Overlee - N Arlington	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Arlington	VA	5.4 mi
6	Shirlington	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Arlington	VA	5.9 mi
7	Reserve at Potomac Yard	Apartment Complex	Alexandria	VA	5.9 mi
8	Beverly Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	6 mi
9	Falls Church City	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Falls Church	VA	6.7 mi
10	Forest Knolls	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Silver Spring	MD	7.6 mi
11	Rivergate	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	7.7 mi
12	Henry	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	7.8 mi
13	Hillandale	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Silver Spring	MD	8.3 mi
14	DuMont Oaks	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Silver Spring	MD	8.6 mi
15	White Flint	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Rockville	MD	8.7 mi
16	Fords Landing	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	8.8 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Georgetown	Washington	DC	0.9 mi
2	Washington DC	Washington D.C.	DC	2.7 mi
3	Arlington	Arlington	VA	3.5 mi
4	Capitol Hill	Washington	DC	3.8 mi
5	Pentagon City	Arlington	VA	4.6 mi
6	Silver Spring	Silver Spring	MD	5 mi
7	Falls Church	Falls Church	VA	7.8 mi
8	Old Town Alexandria	Alexandria	VA	8.1 mi
9	White Oak	Silver Spring	MD	8.3 mi

Base	Distance
Fort Myer	3.1 mi.
Pentagon	3.6 mi.
Henderson Hall	3.9 mi.
Fort McNair	4.3 mi.
Marine Barracks Washington	4.5 mi.
Washington Navy Yard	4.6 mi.
Coast Guard Headquarters DC	4.7 mi.
Walter Reed Medical Center	5.8 mi.
Bolling AFB Joint Base Anacostia	6.1 mi.
Mark Center Alexandria	7.2 mi.
Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church	9 mi.
Andrews AFB	12.2 mi.
Fort Belvoir	15.5 mi.
Fort Meade NSA	20.8 mi.
NRO Chantilly	21.3 mi.
Indian Head Naval Base	24 mi.
US Naval Academy	30.9 mi.
Annapolis Naval Station	31.9 mi.
Coast Guard Curtis Bay	32.4 mi.
Quantico Marine Base	34.1 mi.
Dahlgren NSWC	40.1 mi.
Fort Detrick	40.8 mi.

Oyster-Adams Bilingual School

Washington, DC 20008

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