Benjamin Banneker Academic High School

IB World School - - No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School

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SCHOOL PROFILE

Benjamin Banneker Academic High School has been an IB World School since 2001

PRINCIPAL
Anita M. Berger
anita.berger@dc.gov

GUIDANCE & COUNSELING CHAIR
Vernita Jefferson
vernita.jafferson@dc.gov

OUR SCHOOL
Benjamin Banneker Academic High School opened for students in August, 1981 as an alternative public institution of secondary education in which students in grades 9-12 are engaged in rigorous and varied academic experiences. The environment of the school is designed to provide students with a highly structured college preparatory program. The curriculum of the school affords opportunities for developing knowledge, talents, and skills needed for success in post-secondary experiences.

The primary purpose of Benjamin Banneker Academic High School is to serve those students of the District of Columbia who desire a highly structured four year academic program of study beginning at the ninth grade.

STUDENT ENROLLMENT IN EACH GRADE LEVEL

STUDENT SELECTION
The selection of students focuses on a combination of factors which include a total record of academic achievement; grade level achievement in reading and mathematics as reflected by standardized test scores; strong recommendations from the principal, English teacher, a mathematics teacher, and another teacher, counselor and a community representative; substantive student statement; and a student and parent interview. Experiences gained through enrollment will allow students to participate in a rigorous college preparatory curriculum.

CURRICULUM
The prescribed curriculum college preparatory program, which includes Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses requires twenty-six (26) Carnegie units for graduation and the International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) requires twenty-eight and a half (28.5).

• 4 units of English (English I, II, III, and IV)


• 4 units of Mathematics (including Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Adv. Topics in Math)


• 1 unit of Latin


• 3 or 4 units of Science (including Biology I, Chemistry, Physics)


• 4 units of Social Studies (including Ancient and Medieval History, World History , History of the United States, ½ History of the District of Columbia and ½ United States Government)


• 3 units of Modern Foreign Language


• 1 unit of Computer Applications and Computer Applications II


• 1 unit of Physical Education/Heath


• ½ unit of Off Campus Health Research


• 1 ½ unit of Community Laboratory Volunteer Program


• ½ unit of Art


• ½ unit of Music


• 2 units of Electives

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE COURSES
World Literature, Biology, Math (HL, Methods, Studies, Standards), Language (French, Spanish), Visual Arts, Music, History of the Americas, 20th Century History, and Theory of Knowledge.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES & HONORS
Calculus (AB), U.S. History, U.S. Government (Politics
and Comparative), English Literature and Composition,
Statistics, and English Language Composition,
AP Biology, AP Art History, AP US History, and
AP French Language, Honors Geometry/Algebra II

GRADING SCALE - this grading scale is unique to Banneker and is higher than the traditional grading scale used in DC Public Schools.

EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM
Students participate in co-curricular activities which enable students to enhance their portfolios that promote an intellectual spirit (SAT Prep, tutorials, athletics, clubs and societies.

COMMUNITY LABORATORY VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Requires students to complete a minimum of 270 hours of volunteer service over a four-year period. This service learning program develops good citizenship, increases knowledge of the world of work and promotes awareness of career goals. Students embrace community involvement.

BANNEKER SUMMER INSTITUTE
A five-week bridge program designed to strengthen academic skills for transitioning freshmen.

SAT I
Banneker Combined Reading, Math, and Writing = 1499

STUDENT RECOGNITION
College Acceptance Rate – 100%
Graduation Rate – 100%
Attendance Rate – 98%
Class of 2009:
Over 8.5 million dollars – scholarship offerings/awards
AXA Scholars
Dell Scholars
Gates Millennium Scholars

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

• 1990-91 Department of Education Blue Ribbon School


• 2007 NCLB Department of Education Blue Ribbon School


• 2009 Newsweek – Banneker ranks 162 out of the top 1500 high schools in America


• 2009 America’s Best Public Schools by Region – Business Week Magazine, Banneker ranked second among the top high schools in the south based on NCLB


• 2005 -2009 Exceeded NCLB targets

PHILOSOPHY

We believe that every child has an inherent right to an education which will enhance the development of maximum capability, regardless of sex, ethnic, economic, social or religious background. We believe that every child has the ability to learn and that we must build on this positive assumption. We believe that every child has an inalienable right to the tools which facilitate the achievement of personal goals and the fulfillment of his obligation to society. Therefore, the District of Columbia Public School System pledges itself to meeting this challenge by providing a comprehensive educational program in an atmosphere that is open, concerned, and responsive to the needs of students and the community.

We believe that every individual has certain basic human needs, beyond educational needs, which must be addressed by the schools. We believe that the educational process must provide an environment in which all students are afforded the opportunity to obtain competencies which will help them survive as individuals and as members of society. We believe that the District of Columbia Public Schools must serve as a model for public institutions by providing the best possible educational programs, management system, personnel and leadership in attempting to reach its goals. To that end we are committed to the establishment of practices and programs, which will ensure the intellectual, physical, emotional, and aesthetic well being of all students.

BANNEKER ALMA MATER

Oh, there's one to whom our pledges will lie,
For she's led us, taught us to reach for the sky;
And it's she who's lifted and made us strong,
Oh Banneker, my Banneker, this is my true song.

Through the many years she's stood through the strife,
Open arms giving all, how unselfish and proud;
And inside these walls wisdom is her king,
Oh Banneker, my Banneker, of thee I sing.

And when I must go, when I've left this place,
I can ne'er forget every moment we shared;
To my friends and teachers so fine and dear,
Oh Banneker, my Banneker, you'll always be near.

Music and Lyrics by
Thomas Collier

SCHOOL COLORS
Red, White and Blue

SCHOOL MASCOT
Bulldog

LOCALITY
Benjamin Banneker Academic High School is located in mid-town Washington, DC at 800 Euclid Street, NW between Georgia and Sherman Avenue across from Howard University's campus.

TRANSPORTATION
The Green Line Metro Rail : Shaw/Howard University station is the closest subway line by Banneker prior to transferring to a bus line. The following Metrobus lines also serve Banneker: 70, 71, G8, 90, 92, 96, X3 and 66.

STUDENT RIDERS
Returning students who have completed an application prior to the closure of school in June or during the summer may purchase a Monthly MetroRail Card for $26.00/month. The monthly cards are sold/distributed in the Main Office.

New students who may need a MetroRail card may pick up an application from the Main Office. Completed applications are to be returned to the Main Office as soon as possible for processing. Any questions should be directed to Ms. Francis, Main Office, 202-671-6320.

Metro Bus token forms may be picked up from the Main Office. Students may receive no more than two MetroBus Token forms every two weeks.