Wilson HS "Academies"

[Anonymous]

I have heard good things about the long-standing WISP program at Wilson. Anyone know much about the others?

• Wilson International Studies Program - WISP (English & History)
• Academy of Finance (English & Math)
• SciMaTech Academy (Math & Science)
• Humanities Arts & Media Academy - HAM (English, Social Studies and/or Art)
• Academic & Athletic Achievement Academy (English, Health/PE and/or Coach)
• Junior ROTC (English & Social Studies)

[Anonymous]

anyone?

[Anonymous]

It's interesting, but, I don't think there is one single DCUM who actually has a child at Wilson. Several people with opinions on the reputation of the school, but no one is a Wilson parent -- which is basically called for by your question.

Why not post your question to the Tenleytown listserv or the Chevy Chase listserv? I'm on both and I know there are Wilson parents on both (because they post from time to time about renovations or swim meets, etc)

[Anonymous]

I have friends with children in the WISP program. I'd call the school and ask about the others. My impression is WISP is the strongest academically and that almost all student go on to college. I do know that the non-Academy students are weak. I heard yesterday from a friend that teachers at Wilson use bullhorns in the halls. I'd never heard that before. We're considering it but bullhorns are a turnoff to me.

[Anonymous]

Wilson is moving to a model in which all students will choose an academy by the time they are in 11th grade. Further, all students, regardless of their academy, can take any class, though the academies provide a framework of minimum coursework and additional activities. The students are not grouped together in particular sections of a class by academy. Finally, Jeff Schultz, the head of WISP and HAM for a number of years, is retiring. Attend a Wilson open house for more info. The next one is January 29. Wilson is making good progress across the board. Many Deal students continue to choose Wilson for high school.

[Anonymous]

The WISP Academy at Wilson is segregated. Ask them about the racial composition in WISP vs. the racial composition for the school at-large. It has been this way forever but it helps to keep the test scores up at the school as many of the kids in WISP would go to MOCO or private schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The WISP Academy at Wilson is segregated. Ask them about the racial composition in WISP vs. the racial composition for the school at-large. It has been this way forever but it helps to keep the test scores up at the school as many of the kids in WISP would go to MOCO or private schools.

I have heard this as well and have a question (black parent zoned for Wilson) - Are you suggesting that this is done intentionally? How are students selected for WISP? As long as the selection process is somewhat based on objective standard, this would not worry me at all.

[Anonymous]

They are selected by grades, test scores and teachers' recommendations. It's a college prep program. WISP is run on a charter basis and anyone from anywhere in DC can apply and as I understand in-boundary applicants do NOT have priority over OOB applicants (but do confirm that). It's close to Tenleytown metro so it's accessible. I don't know the ethnic/racial makeup but yes more white than not and more white than other programs at Wilson.