Paul Public Charter School is named after Edward Paul. Edward Paul was a principal and acting Superintendent in the DC Public School system. Born in Wakefield, New Hampshire, on August 1, 1855, he attended grade school in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. He entered Dartmouth College in 1872 and graduated four years later with high honors. In the fall of 1876, he came to Washington, DC to teach at the Franklin School. The following year, he became principal at the Boy’s Advanced Grammar School of DC. In 1882, the Washington High School (later Central and currently Cardozo) was erected and Mr. Paul was appointed the first principal. On July 1, 1885, Mr. Paul, after serving as acting Superintendent, was elected Superintendent of schools, but declined the position.

On April 3, 1888, Mr. Paul was injured in an accident which resulted in his death. His death was recognized throughout the community as a great tragedy.
Paul Junior High School was named in Edward Paul’s honor. The school was a traditional DC Public School and was started as a branch of MacFarland Junior High. It became a separate school in September 1929 when it moved to the old Brightwood building on Georgia Avenue. The present Paul PCS building opened in February 1930, later adding the north and south wings in 1932 and 1938 respectively. In 2000, the school was awarded its charter and became the first conversion public charter school in DC. Because of its exemplary reputation through the years, the Paul name remained intact..

Mission Statement

The mission of Paul Public Charter School is to educate our students and to develop in them the capacity to be responsible citizens, independent thinkers, and leaders.

The philosophy of the Paul Public Charter School embodies the belief that all children can learn and benefit from an intensive academic program delivered within the context of a nurturing and structured school environment. Although the adolescent years are viewed as a period of transition, it must be emphasized that they are also a time for gaining perspective, a time for developing the ability to become insightful, and a time to understand that wise decisions cannot be made unless several perspectives of an issue are discerned. Additionally, it is a time when solid foundations built at the elementary level must be continued and enhanced. It is also a time when preparation for one’s life work emerges. The adolescent years are among the most crucial in a child’s development, because it is then that the student generally chooses the directions, both academically and socially, that will influence the balance of his or her life.

Therefore, Paul PCS provides each student with a wide range of opportunities and challenging experiences intended to expand his/her world, a vast offering of academic and extra-curricular activities designed to increase his/her knowledge, leadership opportunities which will equip him/her to take an active role in society, and a time for exploring those possibilities that might seem unimportant now but likely will become very significant in the future.

The Paul PCS educational focus provides for a balanced curriculum in the humanities and sciences based on clearly articulated standards leading to advanced placement at the high school level. Mathematics, Science, English, Spanish, and Social Studies are the backbone of our students’ education. This focus actually enhances the study of other subject areas by providing a broad context to better understand them.

GOALS

To achieve our mission, Paul Public Charter School has adopted the following goals:

Offer an Intensive Academic Curriculum

A demanding academic curriculum provides students with a carefully sequenced body of knowledge in Mathematics, Science, English, Social Studies, Spanish, the Visual and Performing Arts, Physical Fitness and Health. The arts are integrated into each discipline wherever possible. Students graduate from Paul PCS with a comprehensive knowledge that equips them for success in high school. Constant monitoring of student progress enables intervention strategies to be implemented when necessary.

Emphasize Technology

To be successful in the 21st century, students need advanced technical and computer skills. Paul PCS understands that the full implementation of a technology center that is accessibel to every student is necessary for the attainment of this goal. Research papers, projects involving writing, and extensive writing assignments require the use of the computer and the internet.

Develop an Extended Day Program

We realize that not every student has access to the opportunities outside of school to help him or her to succeed. To give each child a level playing field, Paul PCS provides an extensive extended-day program. This program is designed to accommodate several areas of opportunity: a quiet place to study and work, a chance to explore activities which cannot be managed during the normal school day, the time to develop skills and interests, and the chance to explore meaningful relationships with peers, teachers, and other adults.

Promote Tolerance

The students at Paul represent a diverse world. Understanding and appreciating the similarities and differences among us is key to future success. Throughout the school program, there are numerous opportunities to explore different cultures and the contributions each group has made to our lives. In such a diverse society, toleration must be a preeminent goal. Full integration of all groups into the life of the school is a primary objective.

Foster Positive Leadership

Leaders are those who take command of a situation through thoughtful persuasion and articulation. By offering students a myriad of opportunities for participating in activities, acting as role models, and providing careful guidance, the staff of Paul PCS help students develop the traits necessary to be positive leaders. As students assume leadership roles in their classes, activities, and organizations, they demonstrate these skills that will guarantee them a much-needed place in our society.

Promote Community Service

Paul has a serious commitment to the community and believes that community service and activities help students develop a pride in their city and a feeling of responsibility to their neighbors. Community service frequently leads to positive community activism. Paul PCS initiates numerous opportunities for students to serve their community.

Encourage a Cooperative and Collaborative Work Ethic

Paul PCS believes that to succeed, students need to develop skills to work cooperatively and constructively with others. Cooperation and collaboration make the job easier. It places the responsibility on each and every individual. It allows for discussion and critical thinking. It provides a forum for leadership. It also offers a place that is truly a microcosm of the world at large. Most important decisions today are made in collaboration with others. Paul PCS provides the necessary opportunities that students need to develop those skills associated with successful individuals.

Encourage an Appreciation of the Arts

Paul PCS is committed to developing and implementing a curriculum that encourages an appreciation of the arts through active participation and collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. It has long been recognized that the arts help students learn more effectively. The College Board Profile of SAT and Achievement Test takers bears this out with statistics demonstrating that students score higher on both the verbal and math testing if they have studied the visual and performing arts. The arts provide a human side to education, a side that will be continuously fostered throughout life.

Foster a Desire for Life-long Learning

Upon exiting the schoolhouse door, learning should not stop. Students will continue to learn throughout life if their school experience has been fascinating, intriguing, and exciting. Paul PCS endeavors to present an absorbing academic and extra-curricular program so that students continue to be interested in the world around them.