Kennedy School

The school at the Catholic Charities Education Center is a non-public day school for children ages six to 22 with disabilities.

About the Program

The Kennedy School specializes in serving students with autism, intellectual disabilities, emotional disabilities, learning disabilities and traumatic brain injuries. A small classroom, team-based approach is used with no more than seven students in each class and no less than three staff members per class. We support our students holistically, through behavioral and social emotional counseling and support, serious academic intervention focusing on mathematics and reading, internships that focus on employment and vocational skills, and physical education that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Students receive a type of education that prepares them for a lifetime of learning.

Our Mission

Our mission is to develop students with disabilities with active and creative minds, a sense of understanding and compassion for others, and the courage to self-advocate for themselves. We stress the total development of each student: spiritual, moral, intellectual, social, emotional and physical. We seek to encourage post-secondary education, post-school employment and endless possibilities of living a life with purpose and passion.

Contact Information

Enrollment

Students enrolled at Kennedy School by referral only. Students who complete the intake process and are appropriate for the program are placed at Kennedy by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, which also covers a student’s tuition.

To refer a student, please have your student’s Local Education Agency (LEA) representative forward the following documents:

  • Individualized Education Plan
  • Evaluations: psychological, educational, speech and language, occupational therapy and/or physical exam (only evaluations performed within the last three years will be accepted)
  • Other information deemed important by the referring agency.

Intake packets may be submitted via email, regular mail or fax to Dr. Cheryll James.

Why Choose Kennedy School

Program Resources

Kennedy School Monthly Newsletter

View the latest monthly newsletter

2023-2024 School Calendar

View the 2023-2024 Kennedy School calendar

Staff

Dr. Cheryll James

Principal

202-281-2700

801 Buchanan St. NE ,Washington, DC 20017

Nicole Meadows

Assistant Principal

202-926-7711

Christopher Pike

Social studies teacher

Shedrick Young

Physical education teacher

Debbie Butler

Classroom Paraprofessional

Nyesha Cain

Classroom Paraprofessional

Mariel Castaneda

Behavior Specialist

Peggy Holland

Classroom Paraprofessional

Coleen Johnson

Social Worker

Isaac Kornegay

Social Worker

Ronald McGhee

Classroom Paraprofessional

Renee Miller

Classroom Paraprofessional

Linda Rodriguez

Classroom Paraprofessional

Sherell Sloan

Classroom Paraprofessional

Makaila Weldon

Classroom Paraprofessional

Aaron Sutherland

Classroom Paraprofessional

Keon Young

Office Coordinator

Get Involved

Getting involved by volunteering and donating is a meaningful way to make a positive impact in our community.

Volunteer

Each year, thousands of people volunteer with Catholic Charities. We hope you will be one of them.

Donate

Your gift will give those most at risk the opportunity to thrive.

Haven’t Found The Help You Need?
Use Our Program Finder Option

If you haven’t found the help you need, use our service finder. Our extended search function will give you access to comprehensive information about our services nearest to you.

Still Have Questions? Contact Us