Introduction

The Wilson community began a school-wide strategic planning initiative in 1994, the result of which was the Renaissance 2000 Plan. The cornerstone of this plan was to offer Wilson students opportunities to join small learning communities within the school. The objectives of these small learning communities, known as 'academies', are to enhance a student’s commitment to the school, to learning, to improving his or her academic achievement and to preparing for college and career opportunities in a rapidly changing, technological society. The rationale for Wilson’s Renaissance 2000 Plan was validated in 1998 with the initiation of the DCPS School to Career initiative, which focused efforts in the school to preparing students for future careers.

Students can join one of five major curricular academies, typically in the ninth or tenth grade. Involvement in academies helps students focus high school studies towards discovering potential college study majors and eventually, to careers. Central to the academies are various experiences outside of school that include career shadowing and exploration activities, college visits, mentoring, and senior internships. Every student who participates in an academy will graduate with a portfolio highlighting his or her school to career experiences. Currently, 55% of Wilson students belong to one of the five academies. For general information on these initiatives, please contact Alex Wilson, Director of Academic Development, in Room 124 at (202) 282-0151. The five small learning communities at Wilson are described below.

Wilson International Studies Program (WISP) (202) 282-0545
WISP, a DCPS magnet program open to students across the District, has had a rich, long-standing tradition of academic study and activism since 1983. As a community of learners, WISP students develop critical thinking skills through the exploration of significant global issues and world cultures. Before graduating from the program, students must demonstrate their understanding of these issues and cultures through (a) their coursework, (b) out-of-class activities such as conferences, internships, Model UN, student exchanges, and international travel, and (c) a significant research project tied to their coursework and activities. Because the program serves students throughout their high school career, its admission process is open only to 9th and 10th graders. For more information, contact Mr. Jeffrey Schultz in Room 128.

The Academy of Finance (202) 966-0628 The Academy of Finance began in the fall of 1997 and was certified in the fall of 1998 by the National Academy Foundation. Its advisory board is headed by the director of the U.S. Mint, representing the Department of the Treasury, and includes a variety of community partners in banking, lending, investments and business. Course work gives students an introduction to the world of business and finance, accounting, entrepreneurship and corporate management. The program provides placements for student internships and summer jobs with the academy’s partner organizations. For more information, contact Mr. Alex Wilson in Room 124. (202) 282-0151

Science, Mathematic and Technology Academy (SciMaTech) (202) 966-0628
SciMaTech began in 1997 and now has faculty advisors in 4 career pathways: Environmental Science, Cyberspace (Computer Technology), Health and Sports Medicine, and Engineering. All SciMaTech students are involved in internships by the end of their senior year. The SciMaTech Advisory Board is chaired by the U.S. Department of Energy. Other valued community partners include the National Institute of Health-National Library of Medicine, CIT, NIAMS and NIDCFR, the Georgetown Medical Center, Minorities in Engineering & Technology Consortium (METCON), Howard University, and American University. These partners provide shadowing, mentoring and internship opportunities for students and externships for faculty. For more information, contact Ms. Alex Wilson in Room 124. (202) 282-0151

The Humanities Arts and Media Academy (HAM) (202) 282-0545
HAM was introduced in the fall of 2000. HAM is designed for students interested in experiential education opportunities in philosophy, arts, dance, theatre, television, radio, and/or movie production. The city is this academy’s laboratory. A sampling of community partners includes the Corcoran Museum of Art, the Folger Shakespeare Theatre, the City Paper and the American University School of Journalism. For more information, contact Mr. Jeffrey Schultz in Room 128.

Academic Athletic Achievement Academy (AAA) (202) 282-0541
The AAA Academy was piloted in 2004 as an initiative for students who are interested in careers in health, fitness, athletics, sports management, nutrition, coaching and training. Graduates from this academy will be assured success both in the classroom and in their athletic related extracurricular and career interests. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA and complete a sequence of courses related to their career interest. Seniors will be offered internships with community partners in their field. For more information contact Mr. Michael Burnell 202-363-8559