College Academy, The

Housed in the George Washington High School complex, the College Academy offers a dual language Spanish program in addition to a regular high school curriculum. Students have access to the campus sports fields and swimming pool. The five schools in the building share other resources such as Advanced Placement classes. 

The College Academy has a long ways to go to live up to its name, however. Only a little more than half the students graduate on time and few are ready for college-level work. 

Principal Timothy Sigerson took the helm in 2017. Under his leadership, there are signs of positive change. The comprehensive educational plan says teachers in all classes are working to boost reading, writing and speaking skills. Most teachers are experienced and effective, according to school reports. Students get extra help after school and on Saturdays. 

The tone at the school still needs work. Roughly half the students miss a month or more of school. Teachers say discipline and order is poor. Some students complain of bullying. 

The campus has a well-kept track and football field. The school offers a range of theater and dance clubs. Students must pass through metal detectors. The school website has a video that allows a peek inside the school.

Admissions: Students are admitted according to the educational option formula designed to ensure a mix of low, average and high achieving students. (Lydie Raschka, web reports and DOE data, December 2018)