Historic High Schools Success Stories: Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School
Maryland | Posted: January 28, 2008The Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School is located in downtown Bethesda. Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School has grown from a small brick schoolhouse to a culturally diverse historic school. The prestigious school which was constructed in 1925, enrolls students from over 55 countries. In the 1990’s, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase high School Educational Foundation was established to enhance academic excellence at the historic neighborhood school.
The Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School Educational Foundation was formed, and is run by, parents, alumni, teachers, civic leaders and members of the business community to support the renovations of the school. The Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School Renaissance Initiative was launched by the Foundation following financial cuts to the public senior high school. AS a result, the Foundation made “A Call to Action,” which involve doing intensive research, surveying and conducting educational forums aimed at drawing attention to the school. The findings from these studies initiate the “Three Pillars of Reform,” which includes-Academic Excellence, Small school Experience and Connecting with the Surrounding Community. The Small School Experience Program includes amongst other things, student mentoring, tutoring programs and outreach. The Connecting with Community Program aims at increasing cross-cultural awareness, partnership opportunities, student internship opportunities and parental and community involvement.
The Foundation which is a non profit organization, raises funds to help finance projects that contribute to the Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School Renaissance Initiative. The Board has four committees: (1) The Priorities and grants Committee; (2)The Budget Committee; (3) The Fundraising Committee; and (4) The Public Relations Committee. Other states, including Michigan and California, have also implemented similar innovative foundations for public schools.
The Montgomery County Council announce din 1998 that funding would be made available for over 43 major school improvements, including 15 new schools as well as 28 school efforts, the state-of-the art Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School continues to serve its community of Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Silver Spring in Montgomery Count, Maryland. The highly rated historic neighborhood school offers innovative programs including an Honors Program and Advanced Placement Program.
Contact Information & Project Details
Description of Project
Address: 4301 East-West Highway Bethesda, Maryland 20814
Architect: Howard Cutler
Date of Construction: The School was constructed in 1925 and originally had 14 classrooms and 388 students. In the course of the past 77 years, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School students have experienced significant events in history. During America’s involvement in World War II, the school year was shortened to allow students to enter defense jobs. During this time, students practiced military drills and learned Mapmaking, navigation and Morse Code skills. Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School students also raised enough money during this time to buy an amphibious tank for the army. Another significant event took place in 1959 when future president John. F. Kennedy gave a memorable commencement address to graduating Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School students.
Date of Previous Renovation: The School celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1976. At this time, the building was renovated. The $4.7 million renovation project lasted for three years. The school recently underwent an additional renovation project.
Use
Use: While the Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School originally served grades 1-8, today it is a high school for 9th-12th graders.
Size:There are 1,510 students at the school (seniors 319; juniors-369; sophomores-392; freshmen-430).
Alternative uses: The school supports community-based tutoring and mentoring programs. The school’s media center has brand new computers, which are available to students before, during and after school hours.
Location
Location/Historic district: The school is located in the heart of downtown Bethesda.
Resolution
Strategies or state/local polices utilized to achieve success story: The Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School Educational Foundation was formed, and is run by, parents, alumni, teachers, civic leaders and the business community to support the renovation of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School and ensure a first-rate educational experience for students. Their efforts, along with funding from the Montgomery County Council, helped make the renovation project possible.
Renovation Success
State-of-the-art facility: Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School is a state-of-the-art building. The school’s media center mission is to” ensure that students develop research/information skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world of science, technology, and information regardless of present academic skills or future occupational plans.” (BCC website)
Computer technology: The Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School Educational Foundation ensured that the school would be equipped with w1st century technology. The English science and math departments underwent high tech upgrades. The school’s media center has brand new computers, which students can use before, during and after school.
Meets Education Programmatic Needs: Yes
Asbestos:Up to Code
Fire safety: Up to code.
Air qualityUp to code.
Handicapped accessibility: Up to code.
Parking: Up to code.
Playing fields: The school has 25 athletic teams
Description of Outcome
Students:Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School students have benefited significantly from the renovation. The school ahs a very diverse student body and enrolls students from over 55 countries with differing income levels and socio-economic backgrounds.
Increased academic achievements: The school’s renovation provides students with needed computer technology. In addition the school offers several advanced level courses and has more than 40 clubs including Robotics, Cancer Awareness, Investment, Drama and Model UN, allowing students to pursue special interests. High school students are also encouraged to form their own club or activity however this is subject to the principal’s approval.
Quotes
“If public education is to survive, schools like B-CC that mirror the nation’s diversity must continue to flourish.”--The Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School Educational Foundation Website.
“Education is now the great fault line that determines who is part of the American dream. The B-CC High School Educational Foundation in Bethesda, MD takes steps to ensure that public education delivers its promise and gives all students the skills they need to flourish and succeed.”--The Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School Educational Foundation Website.
For more information:
National Trust for Historic Preservation Southern Field Office
1785 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
sfo@www.preservationnation.org
