High school represents the final preparation for college and adult responsibilities, when students need both academic rigor and personal guidance to discover their purpose and prepare for success in our complex world. For Washington, DC families seeking private high schools that combine proven college outcomes with meaningful learning experiences, Templeton Academy delivers exceptional results in the heart of the nation's capital.
Located in Gallery Place/Chinatown with systematic access to government institutions, world-class museums, and international organizations, our high school program (grades 9-12) achieves a 95% college acceptance rate through innovative approaches that develop the whole person. Students don't just prepare for college admissions—they develop the critical thinking, communication skills, and sense of purpose essential for college and career success.
For families evaluating DC private high schools or college prep schools DC that truly prepare students for 21st-century challenges, Templeton Academy offers the perfect combination of academic excellence, personal development, and real-world learning available only in Washington, DC.
High School Academic Rigor That Develops Purpose
Templeton Academy's high school program builds systematically toward college and career readiness while helping students discover their unique strengths, interests, and sense of purpose. Our approach recognizes that successful adults need more than academic credentials—they need self-knowledge, resilience, and the ability to navigate complexity with confidence.
High school programming highlights:
Extended Learning Blocks
Students take just two classes per day in 2-hour-20-minute blocks, allowing deep engagement with complex concepts impossible in traditional 45-minute periods. This college-like schedule enables meaningful discussions, substantial project work, and regular fieldwork integration.
Seminar-Style Learning
Similar to college seminars, students sit around conference tables in small groups, actively participating in discussions, taking ownership of their learning, and developing close relationships with expert faculty. This approach develops the discussion and critical thinking skills essential for college success.
Authentic Assessment
Rather than relying primarily on standardized tests, students demonstrate learning through authentic assessment including real-world projects, presentations to professional audiences, student-led conferences, and digital portfolios documenting growth over time.
College-Ready Skills Development
- Critical thinking: Analyzing complex, ambiguous problems without predetermined answers
- Communication competence: Writing and speaking skills developed through meaningful projects and authentic audiences
- Research abilities: Independent investigation and evidence-based reasoning essential for college-level work
- Self-direction: Increasing responsibility for learning goals and progress monitoring
This comprehensive approach ensures students develop genuine competencies rather than just test-taking skills.
95% College Acceptance Rate: Proven Outcomes
Academic outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of Templeton Academy's innovative approach to college preparation. Our 95% college acceptance rate reflects authentic preparation through challenging, meaningful learning rather than test-prep drilling, and our graduates consistently report feeling better prepared than peers for college-level work.
College preparation results:
College Acceptance Success
Students are accepted to their college of choice, including competitive institutions that recognize the quality of Templeton's academic preparation. Our graduates attend selective liberal arts colleges, major research universities, and specialized programs aligned with their interests and career goals.
Academic Preparation Quality
Templeton graduates consistently demonstrate:
- Strong critical thinking: Ability to analyze complex problems and develop evidence-based solutions
- Advanced communication skills: Confidence in discussion, writing, and presentation essential for college success
- Self-directed learning abilities: Independence and initiative that distinguish them in college environments
- Global perspective: Understanding of diverse viewpoints and international connections valuable in higher education
Student Success Stories
Recent graduate feedback confirms the quality of our college preparation: "I was just reaching out to let you know that your classes are contributing to my success in college," wrote Alexis, a current college student reflecting on her Templeton experience.
Recognition and Achievement
- National recognition: STEM Project Development students won national recognition for sustainability innovations
- Research collaboration: Students published research in collaboration with Smithsonian researchers
- Civic engagement: Student-led civic engagement initiatives recognized by local government
- Award-winning programs: Nationally recognized student projects and achievements across multiple disciplines
This track record demonstrates that innovative education can achieve superior college preparation while developing student purpose and engagement.
Project-Based Capstone Opportunities
Templeton Academy's high school curriculum culminates in meaningful capstone experiences that allow students to apply their knowledge, skills, and interests to topics they care deeply about. These capstone projects represent the synthesis of high school learning while providing authentic preparation for college-level independent work.
Capstone project structure:
Senior-Year Independent Research
Every senior completes a capstone project where they apply research, writing, and presentation skills to topics reflecting their passions and purposeful pathways. Students choose topics connecting to their interests while addressing real community challenges or advancing knowledge in their areas of curiosity.
Professional Mentorship
Students work with mentors from Washington, DC's professional communities, including government officials, researchers, policy experts, international professionals, and cultural leaders. These relationships provide authentic guidance while building professional networks.
Community Impact
Many capstone projects contribute directly to community understanding or problem-solving, with students presenting findings to authentic audiences including government agencies, community organizations, and professional associations.
College Preparation Integration
Capstone projects develop skills directly applicable to college success:
- Independent research: Experience managing complex, long-term investigations
- Professional communication: Presenting findings to expert audiences beyond school
- Project management: Planning, executing, and completing substantial independent work
- Interdisciplinary thinking: Connecting insights across multiple academic disciplines
These experiences help students transition successfully from high school structure to college independence while contributing meaningfully to their communities.
Deep Dives and Advanced Courses
Templeton Academy's high school curriculum provides academic rigor through engaging, project-based courses developing both subject expertise and critical thinking skills.
Academic program structure:
- Deep Dives (Grades 9-10): Project-based explorations in humanities and science with students completing eight courses over two years, balancing both areas while following personal interests
- Advanced Courses (Grades 11-12): Semester-long, challenging courses aligned with college and career interests, including Environmental Science, Philosophy, Government & Statistics, and Writing Intensives
- Mathematics and World Languages: Algebra II requirement and continued Spanish, French, or Mandarin study building quantitative reasoning and global communication skills
This comprehensive academic program ensures college-level preparation while maintaining engagement through meaningful, authentic learning experiences.
College Counseling Approach
College preparation begins in 9th grade and intensifies throughout high school, ensuring informed post-secondary decisions and effective college applications.
Comprehensive college counseling:
- Four-year development: 9th-10th grade academic planning and interest exploration; 11th grade college research and application strategy; 12th grade application management and decision support
- Individualized guidance: One-on-one counseling, family consultation, and strategic planning with balanced college lists
- Professional preparation: Career exploration, DC networking, and skill development for college and professional success
This personalized approach ensures comprehensive support throughout the college preparation and application process.
Real-World Learning in the Nation's Capital
High school students at Templeton Academy benefit from educational opportunities available nowhere else in the country through our systematic integration of Washington, DC resources into daily learning. Students don't just study government, international relations, or cultural issues—they engage directly with these topics in authentic contexts.
DC-based high school learning:
Government and Policy Engagement
Students participate in authentic civic learning through Congressional observations, policy analysis, and engagement with government professionals. These experiences provide unparalleled preparation for students interested in government, policy, law, or civic leadership.
International Perspectives
Access to embassies, international organizations like the World Bank and IMF, and diverse cultural communities provides global perspectives impossible in suburban settings. Students develop international awareness and cultural competence essential for 21st-century careers.
Research and Cultural Resources
- Smithsonian collaboration: Working with researchers on authentic investigations and accessing world-class collections for advanced study
- National Archives access: Using primary sources for historical research and developing advanced research competencies
- Professional networking: Regular interaction with experts across multiple fields providing career exploration and mentorship opportunities
Urban Competence Development
Students develop comfort navigating diverse, complex environments while building professional networks and cultural competence that serve them well in college and career contexts.
These experiences distinguish Templeton graduates in college admissions while providing practical preparation for success in increasingly global, interconnected professional environments.
Comparison to Traditional DC Prep Schools
Washington, DC area families often evaluate multiple private school options, including established traditional prep schools. Templeton Academy's innovative approach provides distinct advantages that better prepare students for modern college and career challenges.
Traditional prep school model:
- Large classes emphasizing test preparation and grade-based competition
- Lecture-based instruction with limited opportunities for authentic engagement
- Minimal real-world application or community connection
- Teacher-directed learning with limited student voice or choice
Templeton Academy advantages:
- Small seminar classes enabling individual attention and college-level discussion
- Project-based learning developing critical thinking and authentic problem-solving skills
- Systematic DC integration providing learning experiences unavailable elsewhere
- Student-centered approach encouraging ownership, voice, and choice in learning
Outcomes comparison: While traditional prep schools often achieve college acceptance through test preparation and grade inflation, Templeton Academy's 95% acceptance rate reflects students genuinely prepared for college success through deep learning, authentic engagement, and comprehensive skill development.
Our graduates report feeling better prepared than peers for college-level independent work, seminar discussions, and research projects because they've practiced these competencies throughout high school in authentic, meaningful contexts.
Internships and Professional Experience
All 11th and 12th grade students complete internships and assistantships, providing professional experience that helps explore career pathways while connecting academic learning to real-world work.
Professional experience opportunities:
- Government and Policy: Congressional offices, federal agencies, think tanks, and policy organizations
- International Organizations: Embassies, international NGOs, cultural institutions, and global organizations
- Research Partnerships: Smithsonian researchers, university programs, and research organizations
- Professional Skills: Communication, project management, networking, and career exploration through authentic work experience
These professional experiences help students make informed college and career decisions while building confidence and competence for future success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Templeton's approach prepare students for standardized tests?
While we don't teach to tests, our project-based approach develops critical thinking and analytical skills that support strong performance. Students receive targeted test preparation as part of our comprehensive college counseling program.
What makes Templeton different from other DC private high schools?
Our combination of small classes, systematic DC integration, project-based learning, and authentic assessment creates unique preparation for students who will navigate complex, global challenges throughout their lives. We develop genuine competencies rather than just test-taking skills.
How do students transition from project-based learning to traditional college coursework?
Our graduates consistently report feeling better prepared than peers for college independence, research projects, and seminar discussions because they've practiced these skills throughout high school. The self-direction and critical thinking they develop serve them well in any college environment.
What support is available for students with different learning styles?
Small classes enable individualized instruction and accommodation. Our project-based approach often engages students who struggled in traditional environments while providing appropriate challenges for advanced learners.
Experience High School Excellence in DC
For Washington, DC families seeking high school education that combines proven college outcomes with meaningful personal development, Templeton Academy offers unique advantages: authentic DC integration, innovative learning approaches, and comprehensive college preparation in the nation's capital.
Ready to explore high school at Templeton Academy?
- High school admissions application: Begin the process of joining our college-prep community
- Interview scheduling: Meet with faculty and current students to understand our approach
- Campus visit: Observe our seminar-style classes and authentic learning in action
- Capstone project showcase: See how seniors apply their learning to topics they're passionate about
Contact Information:
- Location: 406 7th St. NW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20004
- Phone: (202) 847-0779
Discover how the nation's capital becomes our classroom and experience high school education designed to develop purpose-driven leaders ready for college and career success.