MAYA ANGELOU ACADEMY AT NEW BEGINNINGS

Maya Angelou Academy at New Beginnings is a public high school that is part of the DYRS school district, located in Laurel, MD with about 30 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th Grade. With about 7 teachers, Maya Angelou Academy at New Beginnings has a student/teacher ratio of about 4:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The Maya Angelou Academy at New Beginnings is a specialized educational facility located within the New Beginnings Youth Development Center in Laurel, Maryland. Operated in partnership with the District of Columbia’s Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), the academy provides a structured, therapeutic, and rigorous academic environment specifically designed for youth who are involved in the juvenile justice system. The school is committed to restorative justice and personalized learning, aiming to provide students with the high-quality education necessary to successfully reintegrate into their communities upon release.

The curriculum at Maya Angelou Academy emphasizes both traditional academics and life-skills development, incorporating small class sizes and individualized instruction to meet the unique needs of its students. By integrating trauma-informed teaching practices with a focus on literacy, numeracy, and vocational training, the academy seeks to break the cycle of recidivism. The school serves as a vital bridge for its students, striving to empower them with the educational credentials and emotional stability required to pursue post-secondary education or meaningful employment.

For more information, contact Maya Angelou Academy at New Beginnings at (202) 299-3227 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.