A tuition-free, academically demanding, private middle school (grades 4-8), WJA is all about improving the odds for low-income, underserved boys. Of nearly 300 alumni, 99% are enrolled in or have graduated from high school. And while only 17% of low-income minority students in DC go on to enroll in college, over 70% of WJA alumni do. How does it happen? WJA is a one-stop shop that integrates character education, health and nutrition, counseling services, and mentoring into an 11-hour school day, along with a five-week Summer Enrichment Program. Students play after-school sports, attend evening study hall, eat three nutritious meals with their classmates, and meet with a teacher-mentor each day to discuss challenges and triumphs. In the short term, WJA prepares every student for DC’s college preparatory schools; in the long-term, it supports them through the high school and undergraduate years ... on the road to college graduation.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 5

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Prince George's County

Age Groups Served: Pre-teen/teen (12-17)

Population(s) Served: Men/Boys; Students; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members

Schools They Work In: Washington Jesuit Academy


  • Number of people (clients, patrons, students, etc) we serve annually:   100 students
  • College retention rate of our students:   75%
  • High school graduation rate (or GED completion rate) of our students:   99%

Awards & Recognition

Accreditation through the Association of Independent Maryland Schools, January 2010.

Inclusion in the Catalogue for Philanthropy, 2008-2009.

Press

Budget (FY2023)

  • The current budget for Washington Jesuit Academy is: $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About Spur Local

Each year 150+ community advocates review applicants on the basis of governance, equity, and impact. Each featured nonprofit has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. Spur Local charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $57 million for nonprofits across the Greater Washington region.

Spur Local looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to Spur Local to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

If you like Washington Jesuit Academy you might also like



This organization collaborates with