Academics
Through a team of bilingual teachers and staff, including a wrap-around case management team, we provide a safe and nurturing environment that offers students the support, knowledge, and skills they need to succeed academically and professionally. Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, we offer a GED preparation program in English and Spanish, as well as English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to DC youth between the ages of 16 and 30. Our GED and ESL classes are available during a full-time day school program and a part-time night school program, both of which run from September through August, enrolling once every semester.
Students who enroll at The Next Step can choose to register in either the GED preparation program or the ESL program. In order to complete our GED program, students are required to pass all four sections of the official GED exam administered by the DC GED office. For English Language Learners, a student does not have to pass a particular test to complete our ESL program, however, they are required to demonstrate English Language dominance in the following four domains: speaking, listening, reading and writing within the highest level available at our school (level 6).
Our day school program operates between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, while our night school program operates between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM, Monday through Thursday.
GED PREP: We offer students the preparation, guidance, and support necessary to pass the exam and attain the General Education Development (GED) in English or Spanish. Students in our day and night school study GED content and skills in their classes and must pass a preliminary practice test before they take the official exam. The Next Step offers financial assistance to those students who pass the practice test when they register for the official GED.
The Next Step curriculum is based on the Common Core Standards and GED skills and organized around thematic units such as Environment, Health, and Empowerment. Teachers individualize instruction to help students achieve their academic goals at their own pace. The Next Step places students by skill level rather than age or grade and promotes students according to their progress. When students complete their program of study, The Next Step College and Career Readiness program assists students and alums with continued education and career planning.
ESL CLASSES: We offer ESL classes to English Language Learners (ELLs) in our day and night school programs. Students learn the language skills that will enable them to navigate effectively within their school, their community, and the wider world.