Academy of Hope is an adult public charter school in Washington D.C., founded in 1985. It provides free adult education and workforce training to DC residents over the age of 18, with the stated aim of supporting economic mobility for adult learners. The school enrolled 997 learners in the 2024-25 school year, with peak active learners of 1,197, and operates three campuses in the District: Sycamore, Ward 5 and Ward 8.
Its academic programmes cover high school diploma preparation through the GED and an alternative pathway via the National External Diploma Program (NEDP). Beyond secondary credentials, the school runs workforce training in several certification-oriented fields. These include CompTIA preparation (Tech+, A+, Network+ and Security+), CAPM and PMP project management preparation, and healthcare tracks comprising Certified Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy Technician, and Medical Billing and Coding. Hospitality and property management training is also offered, alongside college and career transition services for learners moving into postsecondary education or employment.
Organisationally, Academy of Hope holds a decade charter renewal and reports record-breaking graduation classes. It advocates for adult education funding and policy support at local and federal levels, and maintains employer partnerships, including cybersecurity apprenticeships with Accenture.
