Why Ideal?

Friendship Ideal’s early learning approach for students in grades pre-K3 to kindergarten is guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy that our children are extraordinarily capable and the world is their classroom. Through art, nature, literature, dramatic play, language, writing and music, our Reggio-inspired program nurtures students’ innate curiosity, intellect, creativity and self-confidence. Filled with joyous exploration and guided by personalized pathways, students make discoveries, learn to solve problems and collaborate, while developing the building blocks that lead to lifelong learning. Named after the area in Italy where the concept was developed, Reggio Emilia is a highly- acclaimed early-learning model where children are encouraged to explore our ever-changing world.

Led by a community of seasoned and supportive teachers, Ideal builds on its early learning program in the elementary (1-4) and middle grades (5-8) to develop knowledgeable, caring, resilient and ethical young scholars. Our rigorous academic curriculum builds strong foundations in mathematics, science, social studies, English and language arts along with exposure to foreign language study. Project-based learning that takes students out of the classroom to investigate real-world problems is a critical component of the academic day.

One of our newest elementary and middle school campuses, Friendship Ideal’s early learning classrooms are colored by all forms of patterns and expression that spark creativity and foster student inquiry. A big picture window leads our littlest learners to their outdoor classroom and garden, where they plant and play as they investigate and learn. In 2021, the Ideal campus expansion will include new classrooms, a performing arts theater, gymnasium, innovation lab and digital library.

By completing an application, you have applied to be considered for anticipated vacancies in the 2024-2025 school year. Please note that our formal interview process will begin January 2024 contingent on our confirmed vacancies. 

Friendship Public Charter School operates a thriving network of college preparatory public charter schools. Headquartered in Washington, DC., Friendship serves over 4,800 students in preschool to grade 12 and guides a growing network of alumni to college completion annually.  Our mission is to prepare students to become ethical, literate, well-rounded, and self-sufficient citizens by providing a world-class education that motivates students to reach high academic standards, to enjoy learning, to achieve success, and to contribute actively to their communities. For 25 years, with the support and guidance of our exceptional faculty, our students have risen to the challenge with high graduation rates, college acceptances, and unparalleled success academically and socially.

Friendship is looking for responsible, confident, respectful, caring, committed, persistent, and patient professionals to join our family for the 2024-2025 school year starting in August 2024. Friendship Public Charter Schools is committed to the idea that each and every child can make it to and through college. If you share that belief, please apply. 

For more information about our schools please visit the following Social Media pages: YouTube, Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram & Twitter!

Please see the available salary scales: FPCS Compensation

• Supports the creation of environments and instructional opportunities that meet the needs of diverse learners
• Provides individualized behavior and academic supports to improve children’s achievement of individual academic and behavioral goals in support of children’s IEP goals
• Consistently implements behavioral and academic strategies outlined in children’s IEPs
• Uses information and data from a variety of sources to understand children’s instructional needs and progress against IEP goals
• Maintains records and documentation
• Keeps other members of the classroom teaching team, appropriate service providers, and families informed of progress and challenges regarding the student
• Ensures a safe, clean, attractive and engaging centers-based classroom that encourages both exploration and complex play for children with special needs
• Fosters tolerance and a sense of community in classrooms, modeling and explicitly teaching acceptance and appreciation of others
• Works with the teaching team to ensure the classroom contains sufficient supplies and materials for individualized instructional supports
• Assist young children with personal hygiene, meals and other daily activities
• Communicates the individual children’s goals and progress to families and also ways in which the family can support the child at home
• Plans collaboratively and shares ideas and resources with instructional team
• Collaborates with the teaching team to evaluate instructional effectiveness and to modify instructional approaches based on feedback
• Actively participates in professional development opportunities provided and seeks out additional professional development
• Maintains confidentiality and treats all information about children and their families in strictest confidence
• Fulfills the standards of professionalism including appropriate dress, attendance and timeliness

• Minimum of 1 year experience in youth development, child care or a school setting strongly preferred. Candidates should be prepared to explain how they will support sucess for children in school settings
• Demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics.  Must be energetic, reliable, flexible and integrity driven
• Strong communication skills in order to ensure effective, positive interactions with their teaching team, staff, parents and children.
• Solution focused and goal oriented
• Strong communication skills required in order to effectively engage with teachers, staff, parents, and children
• Ability to thrive in a highly collaborative work environment
• Ability to maintain a patient and supportive relationship with assigned students required
• High school diploma or General Education Development Certificate (GED) required

FPCS’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, status as a special disabled veteran, or any other protected criteria as established by federal, state, or local laws.  This policy applies to recruitment and hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfer, layoff, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment.  Employment decisions at FPCS are based solely upon relevant criteria, including an individual’s capabilities, qualifications, training, experience and suitability.