Celebrating Potential.
Elevating Success.
Chelsea School has maintained a philosophy that children thrive – both socially and academically – when their unique needs are met. For more than 45 years, we’ve provided individualized programming to students with specific language-based learning differences in a rigorous, individualized college preparatory environment. Our vision is a model educational community where each student is valued, has equitable access to opportunity, embraces their differences, and celebrates their achievements.
Serves approximately 65 students every year
Strives for a 4:1 student-staff ratio, with classes that range from 2 to 8 students
In the past 5 years, 100% of Chelsea’s seniors graduated with a MD, DC, or Chelsea School diploma
For the 2024-2025 school year, Chelsea School is launching an all-new house system, the first in our almost 50 year history! The houses, four in all, are named after famous knights: King Arthur, Sir Percival, Sir Gawain, and Sir Lancelot. Each house is represented by an animal, and an action word. House Percival’s call […]
Join us!
Chelsea School will be hosting an Open House on Thursday, October 28 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am. There will be student-led tours, a presentation by our Admissions Director, and time for Q&A with Chelsea Leadership. Space is limited and these opportunities are scheduled, so please RSVP and be here at 9:00 am to get the whole Chelsea experience!
COVID-19 Protocols: All visitors are required to undergo health screening (temperature and symptom check) prior to entering the school. All visitors must wear a face mask at all times while on campus. We asked that you limit the number of attendees in your party as much as possible.
Directions
Chelsea School is located at 2970 Belcrest Center Drive, Suite 300 (on the 4th floor) in Hyattsville, MD 20782.
Taking Metro? We’re right outside the PG Plaza Station on the Green Line.
Driving? Follow signs for parking at the Metro Shops. Chelsea can be accessed from the top deck of the garage; parking is free and ample.
Virtual learning was not been easy for Chelsea School’s students, but the experience helped teachers and staff to better understand what type of electronic device could best to meet the needs of students with learning disabilities.
In the fall of 2019, the school began upgrading its first generation 4GB Chromebooks for a new model with a larger screen and keyboard, stronger memory and processing, and a flippable touchscreen. For many reasons, this device has proved to be game-changer for students with learning differences.
In consultation with Chelsea School’s occupational therapists, it was decided that the first generation model Chromebooks that we were using were not appropriate for most of our students. The screens were too small, making small print very difficult to navigate, and the keyboards were cramped, making it very hard for students to type. Also, the computer did not have the memory capacity to run multiple platforms at once, such as Google Classroom, Gmail, Google Meet, and any of our instructional platforms.
Our students have come to rely on features that allow them to access texts and curricular content much easier than they could before. Google Read and Write, a program that provides text-to-speech and speech-to-text functions, is incredibly useful to students who struggle with reading and writing. Having instant audio output for all text gives students a level of confidence that is truly remarkable.
Chelsea School will begin its 45th year of education by welcoming students back to its campus on Monday, August 30. This will mark the first time since March of 2020 that all students and staff will be back on campus.
“To say we’re excited is an understatement,” said Head of School Kristal Weems-Bradner. “We know that there will be challenges, but we can’t wait to get our students back in the building.”
Opening the school to 100% capacity for the first time in over a year was not an easy process, and many safeguards were put in place to keep students and staff as safe as possible. In recent months, the school has had HEPA filters installed throughout the building has purchased air purifiers for each classroom and office.
When student arrive at school each day, they will be screened for temperature and COVID-19 symptoms. In addition to this, an independent medical testing company will provide a weekly COVID-19 screening of all staff and students. All students, staff, and visitors will be required to wear masks at all time, and social distancing and room occupancy limits will be enforced. A strict set of policies regarding contact tracing and quarantining will also be enforced this year.
“This is all very new and challenging for our students, staff, and parents,” said Mrs. Weems-Bradner, “But we are a family, and families have to pull together to make sure everyone is safe – and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”
