Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School

Stokes School is proud to share our nominees for the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education's Teacher of the Year award. (Scroll back to see our East End Campus nominee posted yesterday!)

Jeimmy Villalba | 2nd/3rd Grade Spanish Teacher

Profe Jeimmy's colleagues describe her as someone who inspires curiosity and cultural appreciation in her students while treating language as a bridge that connects people and perspectives. They also describe her extraordinary heart: she sees every child as unique and capable, making each one feel valued and loved while building trusting relationships with families and colleagues that bring joy and compassion to the whole school.

Stokes School is proud to share our nominees for the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education's Teacher of the Year award. (Stay tuned for our Brookland nominee tomorrow!)

Ellin Phiri, Third Grade English Teacher
Ms. Phiri's colleagues describe her as an educator who has shown continued growth and excellence, driving accelerated academic growth for her students in literacy and math while fostering a classroom built on strong SEL practices, effective management, and positive relationships. Her consistency and reflective practice make her a truly valuable member of the Stokes School team.

We are still absolutely glowing after the wonderful graduation ceremonies at our Brookland and East End Campuses! Thank you to everyone who supported the day, but also who supported these young leaders throughout their educational journey. We know our Stokes Eagles will always fly high!

It was a legendary Field Day at East End Campus! Despite the heat 🥵 scholars gave it their all in both competitive and cooperative games.
HUGE shout out to our PE team for coordinating activities, and our Caribbean Heritage committee for the j’ouvert jump up fun 🎨 Big thanks to all the community volunteers, parents who showed up with popsicles, and the irreplaceable 🍋

Stokes School East End Campus is now enrolling for fall 2026! Apply at MySchoolDC.org, or visit our website to learn more! ewstokes.org

Elsie Whitlow Stokes CFPCS – Stokes School prepares culturally diverse students in the DC to be leaders, scholars and responsible citizens who are committed to social justice. Welcome to Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School! The Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School prepares students in the District of Columbia to be global leaders, scholars and responsible citizens who are committed to justice in their communities and throug...

Oh MAY! You are always so lovely and so busy, and this year was nothing different! From Study Tours to STEM, from speeches to Seniors--We had fun!

Congratulations to Mr. Bobby, our Head of Schools, on being named to the prestigious Pahara Fellowship at Lone Rock!
The Pahara Fellowship is one of education's most selective honors. It is a year-long program that brings together exceptional leaders committed to transforming public education for all children. Fellows engage in deep reflection, peer learning, and values-driven leadership development at Lone Rock Retreat in the mountains of Colorado.
Mr. Bobby joins an incredible community of education leaders, including DC's own Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn, DC Public Charter School Board Executive Director Dr. Michelle Walker-Davis, and many others working to ensure every child has access to an excellent education.
We are excited for this continued investment in the future of Stokes School!

Our fifth graders wrapped up their Stokes School journey in the most extraordinary way — with immersive capstone trips that brought their learning to life!
In Martinique, French track students explored the cultural heritage of La Maison du Belé and La Savane des Esclaves, and had the honor of meeting Mayor Patricia TELLE of La Ville de la Trinité. A highlight was finally connecting in person with their penpals from L’École Ultima Vestris.
In Panama, students experienced the mechanics of the Panama Canal, explored the lush biodiversity of the Gamboa Rainforest and Smithsonian Island nature preserve, and toured the Presidential Palace. They also got to spend special time with their penpals from Boston School of Panama.
In Washington, D.C., students immersed themselves in the power of language at Planet Word, celebrated history at the Museum of African American History and Culture, and looked toward the stars at the Air and Space Museum.
These young scholars have shown curiosity, courage, and compassion every step of the way. The future is so bright — congratulations, fifth graders! 🎓

Did you attend Stokes School between 1998 and 2015? If so, we would love to see you at our alumni gathering! June 19 at 12:00pm. Location details TBD based on number of responses. *Please note this is an event for adult alumni*. We will share information soon about gatherings for our more recent graduates.
Click here to RSVP! https://tinyurl.com/tcph895c

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Board of Trustees member, Timothy White.

Timothy had been courageously battling a serious illness since September 2024, and throughout it all, he remained the same humble, faithful, and compassionate man so many of us came to know and love.

Tim was far more than a board member. He was a public servant, a community activist, a mentor, and adopted as a true son of Washington, DC. He was a hero to so many throughout the city, but especially in Ward 7 and Ward 8, dedicating his life to uplifting others and advocating for his community with unwavering passion and purpose.

But beyond every title and accomplishment, the role Tim cherished most was that of husband and father. His love for his family was evident in every conversation and every action. He carried himself with humility, kindness, and grace, always finding the good in every person he encountered.

Tim had a heart of gold and a spirit of servitude that touched countless lives. He truly led with love, optimism, and sincerity. Over the years, he became more than an advisor to me and to this board, he became a trusted friend.

As a Board member, Tim never simply offered advice. He challenged us to think bigger, to dream beyond limitations, and to pursue solutions that would bring meaningful change to our community. He had a unique gift for helping others bring their thoughts and visions to fruition.

His passing leaves a tremendous void on our Board and an even greater void in our hearts. We have truly lost an angel of a man.

Timothy White will be deeply missed, but his legacy of service, love, and leadership will continue to live on through the countless people he inspired.

During this extremely difficult time, the White family remains strong in faith and asks that the community continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.