Lamond Riggs

I don't believe the school has before-care, so I'm not sure what that other commenter is referring to. Overall, the school has questionable practices in my opinion. Scores were poor last year, and it's hard to get transparent and honest information from the administration. Nearby charters have more to offer.

My son is in pre-K at Whittier, and he loves going to school! His teachers are kind and caring, and reassuring and helpful when behavioral issues arise. The kids get a lot of outdoor play time. My son has blossomed there, made great friends, and feels valued. It's a diverse school with a happy and energetic culture (the teachers can be found singing karaoke in the mornings at dropoff). The community is strong. The club offerings are amazing. There's a chess club that's taught by an international chess master and a wonderful school garden. We are very happy at Whittier.

We are Truesdell parents of two kiddos and have been at Truesdell for 8 years. As someone who has spent 20 years as an educator in DC public, private, and charter schools (and who also teaches at the university level) I feel I have a uniquely informed perspective on what makes a school truly exceptional.Both of our children have been happy, engaged learners every single year they’ve attended Truesdell. Their teachers, year after year, have made a genuine difference. Both kids are top performers in their grades, testing well above grade level, and I credit the school environment for nurturing that love of learning and drive to excel.Like any school, Truesdell has areas to grow. I’d love to see continued investment in family communication, and I know that’s something the school is working on. Responding to students who need additional support is also an area of growth and that’s consistent throughout the city. I have also raised teacher retention with leadership, as one of the best indicators of teacher quality is teacher experience, and I hope that continues to be a priority. But in my two decades in K-12 education, I have never encountered a school without imperfections. What matters is the culture, the care, and the outcomes, and on all three counts, Truesdell delivers.My partner and I both run small businesses in this neighborhood. We’ve lived here for 17 years and feel deeply rooted in this community. Truesdell is a big part of why. We aim to give back as much as we receive, and this school has given our family so much. Our kids are more than prepared to excel in whatever comes next for them.If you’re looking for a school with a strong community, dedicated teachers, and an environment where high-performing kids can thrive…Truesdell is it. We are so grateful