Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School

Overview

The Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School is a nonprofit educational institution dedicated to providing adult education and workforce development in Washington, D.C. It is designated as a 501(c)(3) organization, focusing on adult, continuing education. The school's mission is to serve the adult immigrant community by offering comprehensive support services and courses.

History

The roots of the Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School dates back to the 1930s with the initiation of the "Program of English Instruction for Latin Americans" (PEILA) at Gordon Junior High. In 1972, Sonia Gutierrez began her career as a counselor for PEILA and eventually became its director. The program merged with other educational facilities in 1978 to form the Gordon Center, which was later renamed the Carlos Rosario Center in 1992 in memory of Carlos Manuel Rosario, a Latino visionary and community activist.

In 1996, the District of Columbia closed the Carlos Rosario Center due to financial constraints. Sonia Gutierrez led efforts to reopen the center as a private, nonprofit school, securing $150,000 and establishing it at the Calvary Baptist Church in 1997. The school received approval from the District of Columbia Public Charter School Board in 1998, becoming the first adult public charter school in the United States.

In 2006, the Carlos Rosario Career Center and Charter School merged to form the Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School. The school expanded further with the opening of the Sonia Gutierrez Campus in Eckington in 2013, enhancing its ability to serve over 2,500 students annually.

Curriculum and Programs

The school offers a range of educational programs, including:

• Career Training Academies:

  • Culinary Arts Academy: This includes courses in culinary arts fundamentals, international cuisines, and baking and pastry.
  • Health Academy: Offering nurse aide training for English language learners.
  • Technology Academy: Providing IT fundamentals and computer support specialist career training.

• English Classes:

  • English as a Second Language (ESL)
  • ESL for Families

• Other Programs and Classes:

  • Citizenship Test Preparation
  • GED Program
  • Math for Life and Work

Campus

The school operates from two main campuses:

• Harvard Street Campus at 1100 Harvard Street NW, Washington, D.C. This building, the James Ormond Wilson Normal School, is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
• Sonia Gutierrez Campus at 514 V Street NE, Washington, D.C.

Student Life

Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School supports a diverse student body of over 2,500 students. It offers various extracurricular activities, including a math club, Latin group, Zumba dance group, and legal clinics. Approximately 350 students graduate annually.

Multilingual Support

The school provides support services in multiple languages, including Amharic, French, Spanish, and Vietnamese, to help students overcome language barriers.

Awards and Recognition

The school has received several notable awards, including being named one of the best charter schools in Washington, D.C. and the Gold Star Award for compliance with D.C. regulations. It has also received the E Pluribus Unum Award from the Migration Policy Institute.

Leadership and Legacy

Sonia Gutierrez has been instrumental in the development and growth of the school, dedicating over 43 years to its mission. Her leadership has transformed it into a model for adult education, impacting over 70,000 students. In recognition of her contributions, an honorary street, Sonia Gutiérrez Campus Way, was named in her honor.