On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Chancellor Ferebee announced the proposed closing of Washington Metropolitan Opportunity Academy at the end of this school year.
Six years ago, Washington Met gained national attention when it was featured in a PBS documentary called "180 Days: A year inside an American High School." The proposal to close Washington Met is being done without real public engagement or a real plan for the students and teachers impacted. Washington Met is an alternative school that provides unique services to middle and high school students who have not found success in the traditional school environments. Washington Met is the only alternative program for middle school students; 100% of the students that attend the school are classified as economically disadvantaged; over 30% of students receive special education services.
Over the past several years, DCPS has failed to properly invest in and support the school community. We have to take a stand IMMEDIATELY against the proposal to close the school and we invite you to join us by signing our petition to delay the closure.
Check out this amazing article in the Washington City Paper on the proposal: D.C. Wants to Shutter Washington Metropolitan High. But Students Value Their School. ABC News has also covered the proposed closure: Students fight to save Washington Metropolitan High School as DC tries to close it.
Our Petition:
We urge DC Public Schools Chancellor Lewis Ferebee to postpone any decision on the closure of Washington Metropolitan Opportunity Academy for at least one year.
During this time, we ask that DCPS provide clear information as to the criteria used to evaluate the performance of Washington Met and provide the Washington Met community an opportunity to provide input on the proposed closure. Should DCPS propose to move forward with the proposed closure, DCPS shall develop, with community input, plans to ensure the success of any students and staff displaced.