John Francis Education Campus

As a parent, in-class parent volunteer, parent chaperone (had to clear an FBI background check and get finger printed), PTA representative, I was very excited about Ross. But what I saw over 4 years, was deliberate withholding of FAPE from dozens of students especially those with any kind of dyslexia or learning disability. Why would the smallest school in DCPS, in Ward 2, always under enrolled, withhold reading supports to students eligible for an IEP? Ross leadership would not hear that 1 in 5 people have dyslexia. That people with dyslexia are super bright thinkers, and are more able to adapt because that is what they always have to do. Ross refused to offer supports to its teachers and supports that would not have come out of the Ross school budget. Ross leadership is focused on raising money from the the parents of the lower grades to pay for everything in the school. Dyslexia is usually recognized and or diagnosed btwn 2-5 grades when the work gets harder, and yet it can be detected as early as pre-k. Ross refused phonics and to give teacher training in Child Find- a federal and state law. Why would Ross NOT even support its own teachers in academic expertise? People want to teach as a small school, so why is there an intense turnover rate of teachers at Ross? For 10 years, Ross leadership refused to place a parent representative on the Personnel Committee so that the parents could have input on teacher hirings. Why? Parents, PTA, and LSAT signed a petition and sent it around to OSSE and others for Ross leadership in order to force a placement of a parent on this committee. This letter also demanded that Ross leadership hire non-white teachers, to hire racially diverse, teachers, representative of DCPS. Why did this have to happen? Ross could be a vanguard of change. It could be an incredible school for reading and writing, and why not? With this focus, students from 2-5th grades would stay rather than leave in a mass exodus in 3rd and 4th grades and/or leaving the DCPS system altogether. DC Council passed The Decoding Dyslexia bill- Ross Leadership should take everything in that bill and run with it!! It should become the top example for how the measures in that bill can turn around an entire school especially after 3 yrs of COVID school shutdown, Canvas, Teams, etc...(spring 2020, SY 2020-2021, fall 2021).

I moved from Thailand, and my son had a hard time adjusting to the new environment, new friends, and a new school. But the teachers here have been so kind and supportive. They constantly help him and always keep me updated on his progress. Even when he was sick, they reached out right away.I love joining field trips and participating in school activities with him. There’s nothing more important than knowing our elementary kids are in good hands - and here, I truly feel that they are.

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.

We absolutely love Hyde-Addison Elementary! The school has such a welcoming and joyful culture — it truly feels like a community. The diversity of the student body is one of its greatest strengths, and the environment is inclusive and supportive for every child.The facilities are bright, clean, and thoughtfully maintained, creating a space where students feel proud to learn. There are so many opportunities for students to get involved — from enrichment activities to creative projects — and the staff goes above and beyond to make learning engaging and fun.Hyde-Addison’s approach to supporting students is phenomenal. The teachers and intervention team are dedicated and responsive, ensuring that every child gets what they need to thrive. Teacher and staff retention is strong, which speaks volumes about the leadership and school culture.The PTA is incredibly active and does so much to bring families together and enhance school life. The parent community is warm, collaborative, and genuinely invested in the school’s success.We feel so fortunate to be part of Hyde-Addison — it’s a gem in the heart of D.C.!

My experience as a parent at this school exposed serious issues in how parents are treated.The approach from leadership was unnecessarily adversarial, with communication that was abrupt, dismissive, and at times openly undermining.I also experienced what I believe to be racism and discrimination. The tone, treatment, and lack of respect I encountered were not consistent with fair or equitable engagement, and this cannot be ignored.The principal’s handling of the situation was unprofessional, and the regional head’s involvement was patronizing and dismissive.This is not a school I would trust to treat all parents fairly or with respect.

My child is having a wonderful experience at St. Augustine because the teachers are experienced and caring. The teachers are always available to meet and discuss any questions that I have regarding my child's education.The parish community supports the student body academically and spiritually. I have been very pleased with this school.