Academy of Hope

Founded in 1985, Academy of Hope is a leader in providing high-quality adult education services for adult learners in Washington, DC. Our students receive GED preparation, Adult Basic Education, computer training and college readiness in a supportive and empowering community. Academy of Hope runs a main campus in Ward 5 as well as  expanding satellite sites in Ward 8, and a fast-track program in Ward 6. Academy of Hope creates a supportive learning community that allows students to focus on their learning and achievement of their educational goals.  

Through small classrooms settings and personalized attention, AoH staff works with individuals until their learning goals are met. Our success is measured by each student who achieves his/her goal, whether that is testing for a higher level of literacy, earning a high school credential or placing into credit-bearing courses in college. Below is one student’s story.Meet Linda Barksdale.

Linda Barksdale has come a long way from the anger and drugs she knew as a girl and young woman. Linda, now in her 40s, grew up in DC and dropped out of high school because no one told her the importance of graduating. Linda’s young adulthood was plagued by drugs, pregnancies, and many misdemeanors. Linda had tried to enroll in GED and job training programs but had been turned away again and again.  One day at a bus stop she overheard talk of the Academy of Hope.  She immediately set out to find AoH.  After so many roadblocks, Linda cried when AoH welcomed her with open arms.  Linda enrolled in the EDP program in 2009 and with continuous support from AoH staff, teachers and tutors, she worked hard and persisted. In August of 2011, Linda Barksdale joined 48 other AoH learners to form the largest number of graduates in AoH history. Linda’s example has also encouraged her daughter to improve her own grades. Linda plans to study social work at UDC and “work with people who need a lot of love”.

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