Quick Facts

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

Goodwill Excel Center school campus locations listed by ward.

Student Demographics

May 2025

Black & African American: 95%
Two or More Races - <1%
Hispanic/Latino: 3.5%
White: 1%

At-Risk Students: 98.9%

Special Education: 15%

Enrollment & Graduation Rates

Annual Enrollment:  441

Total Graduates as of May 2024:  610

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: 31

Female: 70%     Male: 30%

School Enrollment By DC Wards

School Enrollment By DC Wards (Based on 2021-2022 audited enrollment)

School Enrollment By DC Wards
  • Ward 1) 8%
  • Ward 2) 3%
  • Ward 3) 2%
  • Ward 4) 9%
  • Ward 5) 11%
  • Ward 6) 11%
  • Ward 7) 29%
  • Ward 8) 27%

Excel Center Model

Structures and Practices for Student Success

Excel Center Model - Key Pillars
  • 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.