Thurgood Marshall Academy facts for kids

Thurgood Marshall Academy is a special kind of school called a charter school. It's located in Washington, D.C., USA. This school was the first in D.C. to focus on law. It was started to honor Justice Thurgood Marshall. He believed every student should get a great education. He also thought everyone should have the chance to be their best. You can find the school in the Anacostia area of Washington D.C.

School History

Thurgood Marshall Academy started thanks to law students and teachers. They were part of a program at Georgetown University Law Center. This program helped people learn about law in D.C.

The school first opened in 2001. It started with 80 ninth-grade students. Back then, classes were held in a church basement. Each year, the school added another grade level.

In 2005, the school moved to its own building. This building was made bigger and better. It is located in the Anacostia neighborhood.

A new gym was built in 2009. Students from Thurgood Marshall Academy and A. Kiger Savoy Elementary share it. This created a full campus for students. It helps meet many needs for young people in Ward 8. The school also started a bigger garden. This garden is also shared with Savoy Elementary School.

The school's charter was fully renewed in 2007. This means it could keep operating. It also became fully accredited in 2008. Accreditation means the school meets high quality standards.

Going Green Efforts

Thurgood Marshall Academy works hard to be kind to the environment. Science teachers and other staff help with these efforts. The school wants to use less energy. It also wants to be more eco-friendly.

The school has a group called the TMA Green Club. They help with many projects. The school has an organic garden. They grow fresh vegetables there. There are also 15 solar panels on the school's roof. These panels help create clean energy.

In 2011, the school won an award. It was called the Mayor's Environmental Award for Excellence. This award was for their great work as an educational facility.

Awards and Media Features

Thurgood Marshall Academy has received several honors. These awards show how well the school performs.

In 2011, the DC Public Charter School Board ranked schools. Thurgood Marshall Academy was one of three high schools to get Tier 1 status. This means it met high standards for performance.

U.S. News & World Report also recognized the school. They ranked it as a Bronze Medal School. This is a special honor for high schools.

The school was even featured on TV. CBS Evening News showed a story about the school. This broadcast happened in June 2010.