About Us

Our Mission

The mission of St. Coletta of Greater Washington is to empower children and adults with intellectual disabilities to discover their full potential.

Our Vision

Our vision is for people with intellectual disabilities to be recognized and accepted as valuable contributors to the world around them.

three students holding artwork
Collage of school activities

Value Statement

At St. Coletta we believe in the immeasurable value of the individual human spirit and the right of each individual to live as full and independent a life as possible. We respect the dignity of all persons. We serve individuals in an atmosphere that encourages their talents, celebrates their successes and builds their self-esteem.
 

Our History

St. Coletta was founded in 1959 by parents of a child with Down Syndrome. The school began in the basement of St. Charles Borromeo School in Arlington with five students. Over the intervening years it moved to several different locations in Arlington and in 1996 school leaders made the decision to purchase a permanent facility in Alexandria that would allow for growth. The larger facility allowed the school to begin an adult day program as well as to expand the student population. In September 2006 we moved our school program to our DC campus. In 2008 we started an adult program in Rockville.

Beginnings of St Coletta School

Support Our Work

We are a non-sectarian, non-profit organization. We depend on the support of caring individuals to be able to offer the tailored instruction and variety of activities that help our students and adults develop all their potential.
Contributions to St. Coletta are tax-deductible, much needed, and greatly appreciated.

We are good stewards of your contributions. One-hundred percent (100%) of your donation goes directly to programs for our students and adults. Thank you.

Make a contribution
 

Board of Trustees

PRESIDENT

Chris Bettencourt, CFP®
President
Bethesda Financial Advisors

Secretary

Sandra Markwood
CEO, US Aging

Treasurer

Joel Wood
Senior Vice President, Government Affairs
Council of Insurance Agent and Brokers

PRESIDENT EMERITUS

David Pryor, Jr.
Director Government Affairs
Microsoft

Chief Executive Officer

Michael A. Rodrigues


Leah Damato
St. Coletta Employee
Former St. Coletta student

Terrence Dwyer, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.R.
Rheumatologist, Associate
Greater Metropolitan Orthopaedic Institute

Karen Gray
Attorney

Dave Millard
Principal, Avison Young – Washington, D.C. LLC

Antoinette Saddler, MD
Former GWU Medical Faculty Associate

Mike Smith
Cornerstone Government Affairs

Sowande Tichawonna
Filmmaker/Actor

Special Education PCS Board

PRESIDENT

Josh Lewis
Chief of Staff, EPA Office of Policy
Current St. Coletta parent

VICE PRESIDENT

Janel Brown
Founder & CEO, On To Something, LLC

SECRETARY

Carla Ware-Easterling
Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW),
DC Department of Behavioral Health, Mental Health Services Division, Intellectual and Disabilities Program
Current St. Coletta parent

TREASURER

Francis Campbell
Former ANC Commissioner and DCPS Dedicated Aide
Capitol Hill Achievement Award Winner


Shanta Bryant
Project Coordinator, Folger Shakespeare Library
DC Board Leadership Academy alum
Sibling of St. Coletta alum

Charles Henstenburg
Former St. Coletta School parent

Frances Slaughter
Teacher (3-5 year olds), Capitol Hill Cooperative Nursery School
Capitol Hill Achievement Award Winner

Principal

Amy Warden


Special Education PCS Board Meetings


MARCH 13, 2024

The St. Coletta Special Education Public Charter School Board of Trustees plans to hold a meeting on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 6:30 PM. Check Meeting Notice for details.

Meeting Notice

january 10, 2024

The St. Coletta Special Education Public Charter School Board of Trustees held a meeting on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 6:30 PM. The meeting minutes are below.

Board Meeting Minutes

NOVEMBER 8, 2023

The St. Coletta Special Education Public Charter School Board of Trustees held a meeting on Wednesday November 8th, 2023 at 6:30 PM.

Board Meeting Minutes

october 4, 2023

The St. Coletta Special Education Public Charter School Board of Trustees held a meeting on Wednesday October 4th, 2023 at 6:30 PM.

Board Meeting Minutes

JULY 12, 2023

The St. Coletta Special Education Public Charter School Board of Trustees held a meeting on July 12, 2023 at 6:30 PM.

Board Meeting Minutes

MAY 10, 2023

The St. Coletta Special Education Public Charter School Board of Trustees held a meeting on May 10, 2023 at 6:30 PM.

Board Meeting Minutes

MARCH 8, 2023

The St. Coletta Special Education Public Charter School Board of Trustees Meeting
was held March 8, 2023 at 6:30 PM. Click button below for more information.

Board Meeting Minutes

We look forward to hearing from you.

Contact Us