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Maya Angelou Academy @ DC Jail

“We must create a climate where people agree that human beings are more alike than unalike. The only way to do that is through education.” – Dr. Angelou

Top-notch education for incarcerated youth is a rarity. Without intervention, only one in 10 adjudicated delinquent students will go on to get a high school diploma. The Maya Angelou Academy within DC Jail works every day to change this statistic, and we encourage students to not only graduate, but to explore postsecondary education options and  long term, affirming careers.

The Maya Angelou Academy @ DC Jail is an alternative school for young adults housed within DC Jail’s Central Detention Facility; we work in partnership with the Department of Corrections. Our school works with men and women between the ages of 18-22, who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

We began our Maya Academy story with 31 students in October 2021, and ultimately served 72 students by the close of the 2021-2022 school year. We proudly celebrated our first graduation in June of 2022 with fourteen students. Ninety percent of our students were able to gain credits towards a high school diploma while receiving special education services, an unheard of feat in the correctional education world.

Want to learn more about Maya Angelou Academy @ DC Jail?
Connect with our team here! 

 


HELPFUL LINKS EXPLORE AND MORE ONLINE 📲🔍

Students at the D.C. Jail celebrate graduation – WAMU 88.5

IES National Center for Education Statistics

Educational Services for Pre-Trial Detainees and/or Sentenced Inmates Incarcerated at DOC Detention Facilities – OSSE


MAYA ANGELOU ACADEMY @ DC JAIL
📍 1901 D Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
📶 (202) 797-8250
👑 Our mascot is a Crowned Lion which symbolizes leadership, courage, strength and pride
📡 For more about the Maya Academies please contact Dr. Hayward (sher/her) – Deputy Chief of Secure Programs


Getting to Know Director Russell Waller

What college or university did you attend? “Christopher Newport University.”
What is a saying you live by? “Hard work beats talent every time. There may be people that have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.”
When did you begin your journey with Maya? “August 29th 2016.”
Why did you decide to become an educator? “To motivate and inspire the youth.”
What are your guiding principles? “Faith, hope and love.”
Where’s your Hometown? “Woodbridge, VA.”
Who was your biggest inspiration in high school? “Coach Custard.”

Assistant Principal Shanon Redman

What college or university did you attend? “West Virginia University.”
What is a saying you live by? “Grant to us the serenity of mind to accept that which cannot be changed; courage to change that which can be changed, and wisdom to know the one from the other, through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
When did you begin your journey with Maya? “November 4, 2021.”
What are your guiding principles? “Positive mindset, reflection, acceptance.”
Where’s your Hometown? “Keyser, WV.”
Who was your biggest inspiration in high school? “Ms. Diaz.”