DCPS has three Opportunity Academies (Ballou STAY, Luke C. Moore, and Roosevelt STAY) that offer a personalized competency-based learning program to ensure that all students in the district have a positive pathway to post-secondary success.
Ballou STAY High School: In addition to offering courses leading to a regular DCPS diploma, Ballou STAY Opportunity Academy also offers the National External Diploma Program (NEDP), a high school diploma program for the adults 23 years of age and over. Ballou STAY High School’s commitment to their students goes beyond academic achievement, they empower their students’ transition to life after receiving a high school diploma or certification.
Luke C. Moore High School: Their mission is to inspire, challenge, and empower their scholars by promoting their academic, social and emotional well-being. They are committed to developing a community of life-long learners by engaging students,
addressing social and emotional needs through goal-oriented instruction and developing life-long learners, which encourages community engagement through purposeful action for social change.
Roosevelt STAY High School: Roosevelt S.T.A.Y Opportunity Academy exists to serve the unique academic, physical, social and emotional needs of students who are in a critical period of their lives as they change from adolescence to adulthood. All aspects of the school are to prepare students for success in college and to be thoughtful, contributing members of society.
Students who could benefit from a non-traditional setting may be referred for transfer or may elect to pursue entry to an Opportunity Academy. Transfer priority will be determined based on how many credits a student has earned relative to his/her first ninth grade year, the intensity of interventions attempted at the current high school and the student and parent/guardian’s preference for a transfer.
Opportunity Academy Eligibility Criteria for High School Students:
High School students meeting the following criteria may be referred for a school-initiated transfer to an Opportunity Academy high school:
- 16 years of age or older; and
- 6 or more credits off track for graduation based on their first 9th grade year.
Students receiving special education services on a certificate track program of study are not eligible for transfer to an Opportunity Academy.
Opportunity Academy: Special Education Programming
DCPS Opportunity Academies (Ballou STAY, Roosevelt STAY, and Luke C. Moore) offer a continuum of special education (SPED) services for students with disabilities in compliance with IDEA requirements.
Below is additional information on enrollment guidelines:
- Opportunity Academies are optional; students with IEPs or English Language Learner (ELL) needs will not be mandated to attend an Opportunity Academy.
- Opportunity Academies do not participate in the My School DC Lottery process.
- High school Opportunity Academy students requiring full-time special education programming, in-person self-contained services, and EL services can be accommodated at all three Opportunity Academy school sites.
- Students currently enrolled in another DCPS school should go through their school’s referral process for the Opportunity Academies
- Students requiring IEP/EL services who are 17 and under and not enrolled in a DCPS school may pursue Opportunity Academy enrollment through the Student Placement Office.
- Students who are 18 years and older and not currently enrolled in a DCPS school may pursue enrollment directly at any point in the year at an Opportunity Academy and admission will be granted based on eligibility and available space.
Opportunity Academy Virtual Program
In addition to the programming listed above, DC Public Schools is offering a limited alternative virtual option for high school students only through our Opportunity Academies for School Year 22-23.
To participate, students will enroll in one of DCPS’ Opportunity Academies. Please keep in mind that while Opportunity Academies traditionally serve students 16-years-old or older, this virtual program is open to students beginning in 9th grade.
To express interest in the program, families should contact the Student Placement Office at [email protected] or (202) 939-2004. Families may also contact the Student Placement Office with any questions. Enrollment for the virtual program is limited to the following dates:
October 16 - 18, 2023
December 18 - 21, 2023
February 12 - 15, 2024
April 29 - May 3, 2024
- Frequently Asked Questions
- School and Family Commitments Form - This form contains several acknowledgments and commitments the school and families agree to prior to enrollment. It will be signed during the enrollment process and is linked here for reference.
- Attendance Policy - Given that there is a specific attendance policy for routine distance learning, we are creating a family-facing version of this so caregivers/students are aware of the implications of chronic absenteeism.
Opportunity Academy Referral Form
Please direct inquiries about Opportunity Academy referrals to [email protected] or call (202) 939-2004.