WHO WE ARE

Washington Leadership Academy is a free, open-enrollment, non-selective public charter high school in the heart of Washington, D.C. We are proud to be 1 of 10 XQ Super Schools in the U.S.!

Our vision is that high school prepares all kids to thrive in the world and to change it for the better.

Our mission is to prepare our kids to thrive in the world and change it for the better.

Our graduates are college-ready, have career-ready tech skills, and lead change in their communities and the world.

Check out our five-year strategic plan here.

Peer Tutoring

Our Wellness Table

Learning in Chemistry

Our Model

At Washington Leadership Academy (WLA), we don’t just prepare students for college — we prepare them to lead meaningful lives, contribute to their communities, and change the world for the better.

We serve Black, Latinx, and differently-abled students across DC with a liberatory, tech-focused education that centers academic rigor, social justice, and personal growth.

We hire outstanding staff and teachers, and we compensate them well.

🎓 College-Ready

Every student graduates prepared for 4-year college with access to AP courses and an academic vision known as The Big Five.

💻 Career-Ready Tech Skills

Four years of computer science, including AP CS Principles, CS Art & Music, plus hands-on experience via MakerSpace, certifications, and hackathons.

🌍 Changemakers

Students lead through AP Capstone, advisory, internships, community service, and civic engagement around DC.