School Overview
The Goodwill Excel Center Public Charter School offers high quality, tuition-free high school education for adult residents of the District of Columbia. Founded by Goodwill of Greater Washington, the first school opened in August, 2016 to support the high number of adult residents who lacked a high school diploma. In August 2022, a second Goodwill Excel Center opened.
At the Goodwill Excel Center, students can earn a high school diploma and industry recognized certifications rather than a General Educational Development (GED) diploma.
School Locations
- Northwest DC Campus: 1776 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006
- Southwest DC Campus: 1201 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20024
Train Access
Northwest Campus:
Farragut North, Farragut West, or Foggy Bottom
Southwest Campus:
L’Enfant Plaza & Smithsonian (12th
and Independence)
Bus Access
Northwest Campus:
80, 30, S2 and others
Southwest Campus:
52
Student Demographics
May 2025
At-Risk Students: 98.9%
Special Education: 15%
Enrollment & Graduation Rates
Annual Audited Enrollment: 438
Total Graduates as of January 2025: 724
Average percentage of students earning industry recognized certifications: 100%
Percentage of students enrolled in college or employed six months after graduation: 81%
Gender & Age
Average Age: 32
Female: 72% Male: 28%
School Enrollment By DC Wards
School Enrollment By DC Wards (Based on 2021-2022 audited enrollment)
- Ward 1) 20 (4.5%)
- Ward 2) 16 (3.6%)
- Ward 3) 10 (2.2%)
- Ward 4) 28 (6.3%)
- Ward 5) 62 (14.1%)
- Ward 6) 54 (12.3%)
- Ward 7) 124 (28.3%)
- Ward 8) 124 (28.3%)
Excel Center Model
Structures and Practices for Student Success
- Flexible scheduling available to meet needs of working and busy adults;
- No classes on Fridays, but all students can receive tutoring and coaching support;
- 8 week terms are designed to accelerate credit attainment (5 terms per year);
- Small class sizes with structured support;
- Transportation assistance offered and facility is metro accessible;
- On-site YMCA Child Development Center serves children 6 weeks- 3 years old at no cost to student;
- Mature learning environment: Student population is a mix of younger and older students;
- Dual credit college classes available with partner
schools; - Career training classes in Hospitality and Pharmacy Technician all resulting in employer recognized credentials;
- Support enrolling in college and new careers up to six months after graduation; and
- Two graduation ceremonies per year.