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College Park Academy presents student outcomes and partnerships to city council
Summary
College Park Academy leaders briefed the council on enrollment, signature programs aligned with UMD, AP participation, and alumni engagement; the school reported 681 students and high AP and college matriculation rates.
Sandia Abu Arja, executive director of College Park Academy, and Nicole Nelson, director of external relations, presented the school's 12-year history, program portfolio and student outcomes to the council on April 1.
Abu Arja said College Park Academy serves 681 students in grades 6–12 and uses a lottery-based admission. She described the school’s six signature programs—education, business, public health, computer/mathematical and natural sciences, behavioral and social sciences, and engineering—several of which align with University of Maryland colleges and provide internships, guest-speaker opportunities and project work. "We are a lottery based entry. We welcome everyone," Abu Arja said.
Nicole Nelson highlighted partnerships with the University of Maryland (Discovery District) and the city; she said the school participates in city events and receives city grant support for programs such as ROTATI (a business-focused signature program). School officials told the council that about 70% of students take college credit, 93% of the class of 2024 attended college, and 35% of the class of 2024 were accepted to and attended the University of Maryland. They also said 74% of students scored a 3 or better on at least one AP exam.
Councilmembers asked about alumni engagement, expansion plans and relationships with nearby elementary schools. Abu Arja said the school is working with Prince George's County Public Schools and the county superintendent on potential expansion and that the school maintains a wait list of roughly 1,500 students.
Why it matters: College Park Academy is a local public charter school with deep ties to the city and University of Maryland; the council heard details about student achievement, community partnerships and the school's requests for continued city and county support.
Next steps: Council members encouraged school leaders to schedule tours and suggested continued collaboration and local support.
