Washington Latin PCS - Upper School
Washington, DC 20011
Phone: (202) 223-1111
Fax: (202) 541-1591
District: Washington Latin Pcs
GreatSchools Rating
charter • Grades 9,10,11,12 • 357 students
Washington Latin PCS - Upper School, a charter school located in Washington, DC, serves grades 9-12 in the Washington Latin Pcs.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 9 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Washington Latin PCS - Upper School is a charter school located in Washington, DC. 357 students attend Washington Latin PCS - Upper School.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 9/10 | 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. |
| College Readiness | 10/10 | The College Readiness Rating uses this high school's graduation rates, college entrance exam participation and performance, or AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment participation to determine how well schools are preparing students for success in college and beyond. The College Readiness Rating was created using the following data from the 2021 Civil Rights Data Collection: percentage of students enrolled in IB, AP or Dual Enrollment classes in grades 9-12, using 2025 SAT percent college ready data from DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education, using 2025 4-year high school graduation rate data from DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education, and using 2024 demographic data from DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education. |
| Student Growth | 7/10 | 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: July 5, 2017
Posted: July 5, 2017
Posted: July 5, 2017
Posted: July 5, 2017
Posted: July 5, 2017
Posted: July 5, 2017
The whole experience is brilliant. I am a foreign exchange student from the UK, here at Latin as a senior and there is nothing like it...even the bins are brilliant!
Posted: July 5, 2017
Posted: May 29, 2016
Posted: May 29, 2016
Posted: May 29, 2016
Posted: May 29, 2016
I've been here ever since 5th grade and rising junior at the moment. I've never been more happy with how my learning has increased and the great opportunities that I've been given here, internships over the summer, scholarships, opportunities to compete in debates against schools. These opportunities are amazing. The classical education is extremely strong in this school and teachers are always there to give you support in struggling classes. The teachers are always supportive and will always be at your side and will never let you suffer alone, especially with grades. it's an amazing school!
Posted: December 2, 2014
How can this school have a community rating of five? There are parents and children excluded from attending this school. There are children attending this school that don't reside in this community.
Posted: October 21, 2014
Washington Latin has definitely made a lasting impression on my overall academic career, both in negative and positive ways. The community is close-knit and tight, which was both good and bad. The emphasis on classical education is a strong one; however, it often pushed other equally interesting and important subjects out of the way. Many of the teachers legitimately care about teaching kids and do so with passion. There are also teachers that demonstrate a low interest in their job and care very little about their subject. The leaders of the school have many good intentions, but also show nepotistic bias in terms of employment.
Posted: April 9, 2014
Washington Latin has been a home to our son for three years. The administration is committed to meeting every student's needs, which, for him, means challenging him beyond grade level. We're grateful that his teachers have always been smart and passionate educators who quite obviously love teaching -- they respect his intellect, and appreciate his quirky personality. If you are hoping to raise a confident, curious, and engaged citizen of the world, Latin is the school for you. Children blossom at Latin, and it's getting stronger every year.
Posted: November 18, 2013
This is my son's first year at Latin, he is in the 6th grade. He loves it and so do I. Overall, my son has shown great achievement and progress in his subjects. He will be there until the 12th grade for sure!
Posted: September 28, 2013
This is my son first year at Washington Latin and I'm very pleased with the school and the teachers.
Posted: September 22, 2013
I m a supporter of Washington Latin Public Charter School because it s providing a strong academic curriculum that is also interesting. As I tell people, I wish I could attend Washington Latin. The wish started six years ago when I attended a Washington Latin open house hosted by the Head of School Martha Cutts. The evening opened with Ms. Cutts vision for the school. But what was most impressive, as a long-time student of ancient Greek and Roman philosophy and history, was the short talk by a Civics teacher who related the college senior thesis she wrote on Virgil s Aeneid. I was out of my mind with excitement! As I told my wife later that evening, I wanted to enroll. That feeling has never changed. What makes Washington Latin special is the leadership of Martha Cutts and the dynamic, enthusiastic teachers. The new Washington Latin facility, a formerly empty D.C. Public School, is icing on the cake. I want to expand on the subject of Ms. Cutts leadership. Besides setting the school s tone, she is an accomplished fundraiser and advocate. She has forged bonds with business leaders and D.C. Councilmembers.
Posted: September 22, 2013
My daughter is in her second year at Washington Latin and has thrived both years. She has had fantastic teachers, who have excited her about social studies, science, reading, math and Latin. She has a relatively lot of homework, but has learned to manage her time well. The social setting has been very good for her, too. The administration is excellent, and parent involvement high. We could not be happier.
Posted: September 22, 2013
This is my child's third year at Latin and I am very pleased. The head of school promised the "No child would fall through the cracks" and I believe this is true. The teachers are focused on each individual student. My child has been engaged in topics that we would never have predicted -- such as geography, civics and the study of ancient civilizations. I am very impressed with the sense of community the school has developed and the depth of learning that goes on. I wish the school offered Spanish, but since this is my only real complaint about the academics, I feel very lucky. My husband and I often say that we feel like we won the lottery the day my child got into Latin. It is a wonderful place to learn and develop as a person and a student.
Posted: September 22, 2013
What is not to love? I am continually impressed with the school's leadership. They always seem to have a well thought out answer to any curriculum question I have ever posed. The small class size is enviable, especially in high school (my child's classes range from 12-17 kids). The teachers, for the most part, are passionate about what they teach, energetic and are responsive to questions from parents. The new builidng is fabulous and well suited to learning. I feel that the teachers and staff know me and my kid and are invested in my child's success. I feel very fortunate that my child won the lottery 4 1/2 years ago.
Posted: September 22, 2013
My son has attended this school since 5th and is now in 8th grade. He's had outstanding teachers every year, and has always had a great group of friends in each grade who enjoy learning and think it's cool to be smart. He's an honors student there and is now taking two languages and loves it. I find that most teachers are very passionate about their mission to not only educate students but to also encourage students to seek out opportunities to learn on their own. Students are seen as individuals and the small class sizes help ensure that each child is heard every day. I love that Latin doesn't teach to the tests, and rather, does a good job of raising the bar for all of its students. I went to the Grand Opening of the beautiful new campus in the Old Rudolph Building and again was impressed (but not surprised) by the student speaker, the honors choir, and the many students shown in a brief film about the school. Martha Cutts and her team along with the support of many many parents who helped the school locate a permanent home have done a marvelous job of making this a school that we'd gladly continue to attend through high school.
Posted: September 22, 2013
I am so glad that Washington Latin is Public school (not Private). This is our third year at Latin and we LOVE IT !!!! Washington Latin became a part of our family. The faculty care about our kids, the teachers go the extra mile and the school is diverse.
Posted: September 22, 2013
WLPCS is an excellent school. My son started there last year as a 5th grader and his transformation in one year has been miraculous. He had a great year, got really good grades, but most importantly, developed a love for learning. He's very motivated to study and learn, and adores almost all his teachers. This morning at breakfast he was trying to convince his 3rd grade sister to come to WLPCS because "it's a great school." There aren't too many great middle school options in DC; we are feel very lucky to have gotten into this one!
Posted: September 21, 2013
We have only been at this school a short amount of time and I am amazed by the amount of growth my child has achieved in 3 weeks. It appears to be just the right amount of challenge and the communication is excellent.
Posted: September 21, 2013
Washington Latin is a terrific middle and high school that features a classical curriculum and focuses on giving each student a well-rounded school experience with sports and arts opportunities in addition to rigorous and rewarding academics. The school is committed to small class size and all of the pluses that come with that: socratic seminars as part of classroom experience, hands-on learning experiences, and strong student and teacher / admin relationships, As a parent, I feel like I have an entire team working together in a caring environment to help my child reach his full potential.
Posted: September 20, 2013
WLPCS has exceeded our expectations. A parent could not ask for more in a school which has built itself upon the foundation of respect, mindfulness, and social consciousness. A classical education for a modern world will give our child exactly what he needs to succeed now and for years to come.
Posted: September 20, 2013
We have two children at WLPCS and could not be more thrilled. The school provides a solid education rooted in the classics. Teachers and administrators are deeply dedicated to the students development and success. With the new building the spirit of the school has soared.
Posted: September 20, 2013
I have two children that attended WLPCS. I am thrilled with the education that they have received. My older child graduated with the class of 2013 and attends college in Vermont. She is prepared for her college experience. WLPCS made this transition seamless. She has been provided with the tools and skills that she needs to take on a major University. Latin provided a well rounded, wealth of knowledge along with skills in time management, that are essential in her need to work independently. The classical education makes it easy for her to relate to all cultures and scenarios. She just as comfortable talking about Bach, Socrates, mythology as she is about any current event that affects us today. My other child is currently a freshman at Latin and a totally different child. I am just as confident that her transition will be just as successful. WLPCS has a caring and innovative staff. Their personal success hinges on the success of the student. There is a sense of family, community and pride amongst the faculty. Their doors are open for any help or advice. I honestly trust them with my child and feel like her success is as important to them as it is to me.
Posted: September 20, 2013
I have two children at this school. I love the dedication of the administration and faculty. The students are very interested in the programs and they are very diverse, drawing kids from throughout the city. All of this has progressed under difficult physical constraints. This year WLPCS has moved into a beautiful remodeled school, and the entire community is very excited for the future.
Posted: September 18, 2013
I am constantly amazed and thrilled by the quality teachers at Washington Latin. They really care about the students, they have individual relationships with the kids, and the children know that the teachers have their back! The academic work ranges from challenging to really challenging! That said, there are lots of opportunities for the students to get extra help. The teachers make themselves available in many ways.
Posted: September 17, 2013
I am a teacher at WLPCS. What an amazing place! I have worked at three schools before this, including another school that felt very much like home to me, but there is nothing in the world like Washington Latin. The teachers are the most educated people I have ever had the privilege to collaborate with. The students are enthusiastic and learning is genuinely valued and respected. The classes are rigorous, but most of all, they are creative. This isn't a factory, shipping through students to prepare them for tests or college admissions. This is an old-fashioned type of education that genuinely values ideas, knowledge, and creativity. Many types of students can thrive at Latin, which is pretty amazing. We serve students from all 8 Wards of Washington, D.C. and it is a lottery school. It is very diverse, ethnically, socially, and racially. Students overall have an amazing respect for each other's experiences and ideas. Learning is encouraged in very intrinsic, age-appropriate and fun ways, like project-based learning, science fairs, contests, plays, drama, arts, and simulation activities. I hope some day my children will be lucky enough to attend this school.
Posted: August 22, 2013
WLPCS is an amazing school!!! I enrolled my child into the middle school last year and we are very pleased with the decision. The curriculum is challenging, the environment is safe, and the teachers and staff genuinely care about the children. My child LOVES the school! Our overall experience has been wonderful.
Posted: July 31, 2013
Love the program, love the teachers. Hoping that now that we are in a permanent location we can start to focus on other aspects of educating our students now. Looking forward to a great year.
Posted: September 24, 2011
I can not say ebough good about this shool. Since our child got in, we have been nothing but pleased with almost EVERYTHING...there a few minor issues, but compared to most other schools, its a god send. THe bad...no real athletic facility whatsoever, so that stinks. But what they lack in athletic facilities is seen in academics which are tough, challanging and solid across the board (though I do have some issues with their history classes being a tad lacking). But having come here from Two Rivers, the difference is night and day. TR was all flash and no substance. WL is all substance and little flash. But the end result is dazzling.
Posted: August 30, 2011
I am a senior here at the upper campus and i would say that the school is really a great school. we have excellent test scores for the DC-CAS and we have been mentioned in the Washington post. the teachers here are very very caring and strive to do their best to make us all succeed. as long as a student cares about their grades, then they will definitely succeed as well. What more can you get!
Posted: July 7, 2010
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Takoma Park | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Takoma Park | MD | 2.2 mi | |
| 2 | The Willoughby | Condominium/Townhouse | Chevy Chase | MD | 4.1 mi | |
| 3 | The VIO | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Washington SW | DC | 4.8 mi | |
| 4 | Forest Knolls | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Silver Spring | MD | 5.2 mi | |
| 5 | Hillandale | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Silver Spring | MD | 5.4 mi | |
| 6 | DuMont Oaks | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Silver Spring | MD | 6 mi | |
| 7 | Iverly | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Silver Spring | MD | 7.7 mi | |
| 8 | White Flint | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Rockville | MD | 8 mi | |
| 9 | Twenty400 | Apartment Complex | Arlington | VA | 8.1 mi | |
| 10 | Reserve at Potomac Yard | Apartment Complex | Alexandria | VA | 8.3 mi | |
| 11 | Leeway Overlee - N Arlington | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Arlington | VA | 8.5 mi | |
| 12 | Beverly Hills | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Alexandria | VA | 8.6 mi | |
| 13 | Shirlington | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Arlington | VA | 8.7 mi | |
| 14 | Old Farm | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Rockville | MD | 9.7 mi | |
| 15 | Falls Church City | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Falls Church | VA | 9.8 mi | |
| 16 | Rivergate | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Alexandria | VA | 9.8 mi | |
| 17 | Henry | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Alexandria | VA | 10.1 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Silver Spring | Silver Spring | MD | 2.7 mi | |
| 2 | Georgetown | Washington | DC | 3.7 mi | |
| 3 | Washington DC | Washington D.C. | DC | 4.1 mi | |
| 4 | Capitol Hill | Washington | DC | 4.5 mi | |
| 5 | White Oak | Silver Spring | MD | 5.4 mi | |
| 6 | Arlington | Arlington | VA | 6.4 mi | |
| 7 | Pentagon City | Arlington | VA | 7.3 mi | |
| 8 | Old Town Alexandria | Alexandria | VA | 10.5 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Marine Barracks Washington | 5.3 mi. |
| Walter Reed Medical Center | 5.4 mi. |
| Washington Navy Yard | 5.5 mi. |
| Fort McNair | 5.8 mi. |
| Fort Myer | 6.1 mi. |
| Pentagon | 6.2 mi. |
| Coast Guard Headquarters DC | 6.2 mi. |
| Henderson Hall | 6.7 mi. |
| Bolling AFB Joint Base Anacostia | 7.9 mi. |
| Mark Center Alexandria | 10.1 mi. |
| Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church | 12.1 mi. |
| Andrews AFB | 12.2 mi. |
| Fort Meade NSA | 17.7 mi. |
| Fort Belvoir | 18.3 mi. |
| NRO Chantilly | 24 mi. |
| Indian Head Naval Base | 26.7 mi. |
| US Naval Academy | 28.4 mi. |
| Coast Guard Curtis Bay | 29.3 mi. |
| Annapolis Naval Station | 29.3 mi. |
| Quantico Marine Base | 37.2 mi. |
| Fort Detrick | 40.2 mi. |
| Dahlgren NSWC | 42.2 mi. |
