Alexandria City Public Schools

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Charles Barrett Elementary School

Charles Barrett Elementary School

Grades PreK - 5
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.

1115 Martha Custis Drive
Alexandria, Virginia 22302
Phone: 703-824-6960
Fax: 703-379-3782
Voice Mail: 703-824-6720
Map + Directions

Principal:
Seth Kennard

Web Page:
www.acps.k12.va.us/barrett/

Introduction

Among the smallest of Alexandria's school buildings, Charles Barrett Elementary School was built on the north end of the city in 1949. A 1997 library/media center addition and renovation brings the school added space and a new fiber optic network to support twenty-first century technology. Charles Barrett prides itself on its strong academic program, its dedicated staff, small class sizes and its diverse student body.

Academic Curriculum

Charles Barrett's academic program includes reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. The school also offers:

  • art instruction with a certified art teacher once a week
  • vocal music instruction with a certified music teacher once a week
  • instrumental music lessons beginning in fourth grade
  • two physical education classes a week with a certified P.E. teacher
  • strong program for talented and gifted children who perform above their grade level academically or who have special ability in art and/or music
  • instruction in family life education at levels appropriate to age
  • English as a Second Language classes
  • special education programs
  • certified reading specialists
  • math specialist

Technology

The Alexandria Schools has completed a multi-year, multi-million dollar initiative to bring the latest technologies into the classroom, to include computers, telephones, multimedia, Internet and CD-ROM research capabilities. With its new media center, fiber optic network, completely automated library, video production center, portable word processing lab, connections to the Internet, and Smart Board, Barrett is taking its place as one of the best technologically equipped schools in the country.

School Faculty

Number of Licensed Staff: 33
With post-graduate degrees: 76%

Awards and Honors

  • Margaret Brown: 2000 Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Education Award
  • Roxy Chitlik: 2006 Math Buddies Dominion Grant; 2008 Gilbert Scores for Schools
  • Karen Rogers and Courtney Weitekemp: 2008 Featured in "Titan of a Teacher: A Photo Documentary of Outstanding Teachers in One Public School System"

Demographics

Enrollment (as of 9/2010): 319 students

  • African American: 16%
  • Asian/Pacific Islander and American Indian: 2%
  • Hispanic: 25%
  • White: 53%
  • Unspecified: 3%

Before- and After-school Programs

  • Dance
  • Hands on Science
  • Languages: French and Spanish
  • SOL Study Prep Classes
  • Tutorial Support Sessions

Other Student Programs

  • Goodwill Ambassadors
  • Junior Great Books
  • Lunch Buddies
  • Positive Behavior Support
  • Reading Buddies Program
  • Safety Patrols
  • Student Council Association

School Support Team

At Charles Barrett, a team of principal, psychologist, social worker, nurse and guidance counselor work together to help students and their families. They provide an array of testing, counseling and other support services.

Meal Program

Alexandria students may receive free or reduced priced meals if their family income meets eligibility requirements. For more information on our meal programs, visit the School Nutrition Services section of our website.

Community Programs

  • Jump Rope for Heart
  • PTA Reflections Program
  • Reading is Fundamental (RIF)
  • Recreation Department
  • Urban League

Volunteers

Parents and community volunteers play a key role in the education of children at Charles Barrett. Volunteers tutor students, arrange special events and chaperone field trips. The PTA provides both financial support and person-power to support the school.

Business and Community Partners

  • Alexandria Soroptimist Club

Special Events

  • Back-to-School Night
  • Book Fair
  • Field Day
  • Fall Program for Prospective Kindergarten Students
  • Family Fun Events
  • Holiday Shop
  • International Night
  • Kindergarten Spring Open House
  • Math Night
  • Reading is Fundamental
  • Spring Bazaar
  • Thanksgiving Community Open House
  • Welcome Dinner for New Parents
  • Winter/Spring Concerts

Charles Barrett Elementary School is fully accredited and meets Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). To learn more, review the Virginia School Report Card (PDF) on the Virginia Department of Education Web site or review recent Test Scores.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Students enrolled in criminal justice courses intern (ride along) with the Alexandria Police Department.