About Us
Our community
Chavez Prep is proud to welcome students from all over the District of Columbia into our home in the historic Bruce building in Columbia Heights. Our mission is to equip our students with the skills necessary for success in college and in life. Our longer school year, emphasis on literacy and mathematics, and disciplined school environment will develop well-rounded Scholars and provide them the opportunity to compete with students from the most elite schools in the United States.
Our namesake
Cesar Chavez (1927-1993) is the embodiment of our belief that hard work yields great success. Born and raised of humble means, Chavez led the fight to improve the lives of tens of thousands of some of the most desperate Americans, migrant farm workers. He boldly and peacefully stood up to the powerful and well-connected business leaders that dominated the agricultural industry. His humility, leadership and persistence inspire our work at the Chavez Schools today.
Our beliefs
Every child in the District of Columbia ought to have access to the quality of education afforded to students at the most elite private schools in the United States.
Every child has the capacity to master the most challenging academic material. Every Chavez Prep Scholar can, must and will meet and exceed the very highest academic expectations.
In order to master our challenging curriculum, students must work in a highly structured, well-disciplined environment. We will demand, and hold our Scholars accountable for, excellent behavior at all times.
Preparation for college begins in middle school. We have no time to waste.
Sí, se puede!
Yes, it can be done!
Our program
Chavez Prep Scholars have a longer school year.
Hard work is the main ingredient to our Scholars’ success. We have a longer school day (7:45am – 5:00pm) and a longer school year (late August – late June). Our school features extended time for reading and mathematics. We believe that “practice makes perfect,” so our Scholars spend more time in school learning, practicing and perfecting their fundamental skills.
Chavez Prep Scholars attend school in a highly structured environment.
Our Scholars live by the simple motto of “Work Hard, Be Nice.” Our strictly enforced uniform policy helps to keep our scholars focused on their primary objective: academic achievement. All of our Scholars and their families read and commit to the Chavez Prep Family Agreement, a contract that holds our Scholars to their very best work and behavior.
Chavez Prep Scholars are supported by talented professionals.
We hold our Scholars to high expectations. So, we must do whatever it takes to support them academically and socially. Chavez Prep is staffed with the most capable and hardest working faculty in the District of Columbia. We are driven by student performance.
Chavez Prep Scholars learn to be leaders in their communities.
Our unique public policy curriculum engages our Scholars in civic events throughout Washington, DC and exposes them to local and national leaders. Our extended day also includes time for physical education, technology, art, and numerous enrichment activities that ensure that Chavez Prep graduates are well-rounded Scholars.