Washington School (Mississippi)

Washington School
Address
1605 East Reed Road
Greenville, Mississippi
United States
Information
Type Private School
Motto Exitus Acta Probat
Established 1969
Headmaster Rodney Brown
Grades pre-kindergarten — 12
Enrollment 740 (approximately)
Color(s) Blue and Gold         
Mascot The General
Rival Pillow academy
Affiliation Mississippi Association of Independent Schools, Southern Association of Independent Schools, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Website http://www.generals.ws

Washington School is a small, non-denominational, private school in Greenville, Mississippi. Washington School offers pre-school, elementary, middle, and college preparatory education to Greenville and the surrounding areas. It was established as a segregation academy in response to Brown vs Board of Education [1]

History

The school was established in the spring of 1969 when white residents saw the need for a local college preparatory school. The school was established as a segregation academy in response to the racial integration of the local public schools.[1]

In its first year, Washington School had a total of 23 staff members and 323 students.Classes were originally held in the current elementary building. The current total enrollment is over 740 students with the average size of a graduating class being around 60 students. As of 2016, the school's students are 95% white, but Washington County is 74% black.[2]

Academics and arts

Washington School's college prep curriculum is tailored to meet the requirements mandated by the Institutions of Higher Learning (College Board) and the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools. To challenge the top students academically, Advanced Placement, honors classes, and advanced classes are offered. Additionally, seniors have the option to earn up to 15 hours of college credit in a dual enrollment program. Exploration Station and Support Services are available for students who need additional help outside the instruction given by their teacher during class.

Washington School also boasts a fine arts program consisting of concert and pep bands, violin instruction, 3-D and 2-D high school visual art programs, weekly visual arts classes for PK-6, optional visual arts classes for grades 7 and 8, as well as an impressive drama department. The elementary school has participated in the Mississippi Arts Commission's Whole Schools Initiative, which is a program designed to assist schools in integrating the arts into the school's existing curriculum.

All faculty are teaching in their area of degree and certification. A special point of pride is that 55% of the faculty have their Master's Degree and beyond.

Clubs and organizations

There is a growing arts and athletic program that develops more and more each year. There are also a number of clubs that bring together students with similar interests and goals. The National Beta Club is an honorary society that recognizes academic excellence. Mu Alpha Theta is another club that honors achievement in mathematics. There are also The Fellowship of Christian Students and Younglife for those interested in religion. Students also have the option of participating in competitive academic teams, such as Quiz Bowl, Science Olympiad, Envirothon, Mathletes, Poetry Out Loud, and Mock Trial. The school makes community service a priority for its students in all grades. The Washington School Student Council has earned recognition as the "Most Outstanding Student Council" in MAIS for nine consecutive years.

Athletics

Washington School supports 13 competitive sports for boys and girls that include softball, soccer, cross-country, football, basketball, tennis, golf, baseball, and track. The facilities in place to support the various sports include a football and track complex, gymnasium, softball field, baseball field, soccer field, and an indoor practice/weight room facility. Over the years, Washington School has won numerous state championships in the division of the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class AAAA-Division II. The football team most recently captured the state championship in 2008, 2009, and 2015. The school's soccer team captured the 2015-2016 state championship title as well. Washington also won state titles in girls and boys track, as well as girls tennis, all in 2016.Many Washington School student/athletes choose to continue playing their respective sports at the junior college level, the Division II level, and a few at the Division I level.

Administration

References

  1. 1 2 Hongo, Andrew (16 May 2014). "The Fight for Education Equity in Mississippi". NBC News. Retrieved 16 July 2015.
  2. ↑ McLaughlin, Eliott (May 27, 2016). "Could Mississippi integration ruling trigger 'white flight'?". CNN. Retrieved 11 October 2016.

Coordinates: 33°23′03″N 91°1′29″W / 33.38417°N 91.02472°W / 33.38417; -91.02472

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