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In the News

D.C. school vouchers popular, but oversight ‘a blind spot’

Hundreds of students’ voucher dollars are used to attend schools that are unaccredited or are in unconventional settings.

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Ophelia Johnson and her daughters Tabitha, 17, right, and Jamesha, 11, were homeless when they applied for and won vouchers for the girls to attend Calvert Christian Academy. Tabitha is now about to graduate from Benjamin Banneker High School and expects to be the first in her family to attend college. Jamesha is thriving at Calvert Christian Academy, Johnson says.

Dayna Smith / For The Washington Post

Students gather before class begins at the Academy for Ideal Education, a private school that serves about 60 students. The school aims to provide a nurturing environment with small classes and a learning model known as 'Suggestopedia,' a philosophy of learning developed by Bulgarian psychotherapist Georgi Lozanov that stresses learning through music, stretching and meditation. Director Paulette Jones-Imaan melds that philosophy with an African-flavored approach.

Students gather before class begins at the Academy for Ideal Education, a private school that serves about 60 students. The school aims to provide a nurturing environment with small classes and a learning model known as "Suggestopedia," a philosophy of learning developed by Bulgarian psychotherapist Georgi Lozanov that stresses learning through music, stretching and meditation. Director Paulette Jones-Imaan melds that philosophy with an African-flavored approach.

Astrid Riecken / For The Washington Post

Students wait for classes to begin at the Academy for Ideal Education. More than 90 percent of its students are paying the $11,400 tuition with vouchers, founder Paulette Jones-Imaan said. 'If this program were to end, this school would end,' she said.

Students wait for classes to begin at the Academy for Ideal Education. More than 90 percent of its students are paying the $11,400 tuition with vouchers, founder Paulette Jones-Imaan said. "If this program were to end, this school would end," she said.

Astrid Riecken / For The Washington Post

Fifth and sixth graders warm up for class at the Academy for Ideal Education under the direction of math and English teacher John Ordovensky, left.

Fifth and sixth graders warm up for class at the Academy for Ideal Education under the direction of math and English teacher John Ordovensky, left.

Astrid Riecken / For The Washington Post

Twelve-year-old Edward Neverdon sounds a gong marking the beginning of class at the Academy for Ideal Education.

Twelve-year-old Edward Neverdon sounds a gong marking the beginning of class at the Academy for Ideal Education.

Astrid Riecken / For The Washington Post

Paulette Jones-Imaan, founder of the Academy for Ideal Education.

Paulette Jones-Imaan, founder of the Academy for Ideal Education.

Astrid Riecken / For The Washington Post

Academia de la Recta Porta is located on Georgia Avenue in Northwest. The K-12 school consists of two classrooms. Annette and Reginald Miles founded the unaccredited school 13 years ago. He is the pastor of the associated church, she is the school director, their daughter is a teacher and their grandson is a student.

Academia de la Recta Porta is located on Georgia Avenue in Northwest. The K-12 school consists of two classrooms. Annette and Reginald Miles founded the unaccredited school 13 years ago. He is the pastor of the associated church, she is the school director, their daughter is a teacher and their grandson is a student.

Astrid Riecken / For The Washington Post

The Muhammad University of Islam is located on Kenilworth Avenue in Northeast. The unaccredited K-8 school is supported by the Nation of Islam, according to director Stephanie Muhammad. Parents choose the school because of its small classes, safety and strict discipline, she said.

The Muhammad University of Islam is located on Kenilworth Avenue in Northeast. The unaccredited K-8 school is supported by the Nation of Islam, according to director Stephanie Muhammad. Parents choose the school because of its small classes, safety and strict discipline, she said.

Astrid Riecken / For The Washington Post

The San Miguel School, another voucher school, is located on Georgia Avenue in Northwest.

The San Miguel School, another voucher school, is located on Georgia Avenue in Northwest.

Astrid Riecken / For The Washington Post

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