Schedule a DC Prep Tour Today

DC Prep Campus Named 2025 EmpowerK12 Bold Performance School

October 29, 2025

A DC Prep school – Benning Elementary Campus – is among the 16 schools recognized by EmpowerK12 in 2025 for outsized gains among their priority students. 

Bold Performance Schools are named by EmpowerK12, a nonprofit organization whose research highlights bright spots in education. Their Bold Performance recognition is awarded to schools serving at least 30% economically disadvantaged students – those in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or whose families qualify for TANF and SNAP – who have combined Math and ELA CAPE proficiency rates that are dramatically higher than schools serving populations with similar demographics. 

Collectively, since the pandemic, Bold Performance Schools have improved student achievement three to four times faster than the DC average. EmpowerK12’s analysis found that the key practices making these outcomes possible include:

  • Consistently high expectations for all students and integrated supports
  • Building community among staff, students, and families
  • Focus on continuous improvement
  • Attention to daily routines, extended learning opportunities, and enrichment activities

EmpowerK12’s key practices are the foundation of DC Prep’s practice, allowing our campuses to receive this award every year that EmpowerK12 has named Bold Performance Schools, going back to 2016.

We are honored by this recognition and very proud of our hardworking students, staff, and families.