Colin L. Powell Academy: Your Complete Guide To Fort Washington's Flagship Public School
What makes Colin L. Powell Academy in Fort Washington, MD, a standout institution in Prince George's County, and why should families have it on their educational radar? On February 21, 2024, the school community celebrated a significant milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a new chapter in its commitment to excellence. Whether you're a prospective parent, a education researcher, or simply curious about this prominent public school, this comprehensive guide unpacks everything you need to know—from its academic performance and future requirements to the powerful legacy behind its name.
We’ll explore the school’s location within a large suburb setting, its test scores, and the 2026 rankings that help families make informed decisions. You’ll also discover the meaning and origin of the name "Colin," connecting it to the school’s famous namesake, General Colin Powell. Plus, get practical details like business hours, how to read the 85 customer reviews, and where to find the recording of the recent ceremony. By the end, you’ll have a clear, actionable picture of what life is like at Colin L. Powell Academy.
Overview: What is Colin L. Powell Academy?
Colin L. Powell Academy is a public school located in Fort Washington, Maryland, operating within the large suburb setting of Prince George's County. It is one of 219 schools in the Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) system, one of the largest school districts in Maryland and the nation. The academy serves students typically in the middle school grades (often 6-8, but specific configurations can vary, so it’s vital to confirm on the school’s website).
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The school’s address is 12200 Fort Washington Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744, placing it in a residential area that balances suburban tranquility with accessibility to the Washington, D.C. metro region. This location influences its community demographics, transportation options, and overall campus environment. As a public school, it is funded by county, state, and federal sources and is open to all students residing within its attendance zone, with a lottery process for out-of-zone applicants if space allows.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Colin L. Powell Academy |
| School Type | Public Middle School |
| District | Prince George's County Public Schools |
| Address | 12200 Fort Washington Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744 |
| Setting | Large Suburb |
| Grades Served | Typically 6-8 (verify with school) |
| School Hours | Doors open at 8:00 AM (typical start; confirm exact schedule) |
| Phone/Contact | Available via PGCPS directory |
The Legacy of General Colin Powell: The Man Behind the Name
The school is named after General Colin Luther Powell, a monumental figure in American history. Understanding his legacy is key to understanding the school's ethos. Born in Harlem, New York, in 1937 to Jamaican immigrant parents, Powell rose from humble beginnings to become a four-star general in the U.S. Army, the 65th U.S. Secretary of State (2001-2005), and the first African American to hold both positions.
His career was defined by a commitment to duty, integrity, and strategic leadership, from his service in Vietnam to his chairmanship of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the Gulf War. The naming of the academy honors these values—excellence, leadership, and public service—and aims to inspire students to pursue high achievement and civic responsibility.
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Personal Details & Bio Data of Colin Powell
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Colin Luther Powell |
| Born | April 5, 1937, Harlem, New York City |
| Died | October 18, 2021, Bethesda, Maryland |
| Military Rank | General (U.S. Army) |
| Key Roles | National Security Advisor (1987-1989), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989-1993), U.S. Secretary of State (2001-2005) |
| Awards | Presidential Medal of Freedom (twice), Congressional Gold Medal, Defense Distinguished Service Medal (4) |
| Education | B.S. Geology, City College of New York; M.B.A., George Washington University |
| Spouse | Alma Johnson (married 1962) |
| Children | 3 (including Michael Powell, former FCC Chairman) |
The ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 21, 2024, likely celebrated facility upgrades, new programs, or a significant anniversary, attended by dignitaries, staff, students, and community members. Figures such as former Secretary of State Colin Powell (prior to his passing) and Secretary of Education Rod Paige have been associated with the school’s founding or events, underscoring its national-profile namesake. If you missed this event, the recording is typically made available through the school’s or district’s official website or social media channels—click below to view the recording (link would be embedded in a live blog post).
The Name "Colin": Meaning, Origin, and Popularity
The name "Colin" carries a rich history that extends beyond the famous general. It’s a masculine given name with layered origins, making the school's name a fascinating study in linguistics and cultural heritage.
Etymology and Historical Roots
- Scottish & Irish Gaelic Origin: The name Colin is primarily derived from the Gaelic "Cailean," meaning "young pup" or "whelp." This was a traditional Scottish and Irish name, often used as a diminutive or pet form. In Ireland, the patronymic Ó Coileáin (descendant of Coileán) evolved into the surname Cullen. Interestingly, Cullen is also an anglicization of the unrelated Ó Cuilinn, showing how naming conventions can converge.
- French & English Connection: As a surname, Colin can also stem from the given name but has an unrelated French origin, possibly from the word colin (meaning "dove" or "pigeon") or as a medieval French pet form of Nicolas.
- Greek Victory Link: Nicolas itself has Greek origins, derived from Nikolaos—a combination of nike (victory) and laos (people). Thus, Colin, as a derivative, can semantically carry the meaning "people of victory."
Modern Usage and Popularity
Today, Colin is a popular given name in English-speaking countries. According to naming databases:
- It is the #334 ranked male name by popularity in the United States.
- It is considered a name of Scottish, Irish, and English origin.
- Variants include Collin (a common spelling variation), Collen, and Cullen.
- It is often perceived as a strong, classic, yet approachable name.
For parents interested in the baby name Colin, resources like Namepedia provide detailed entries on meaning, origin, pronunciation, and usage. The name’s versatility—connecting to both Celtic warrior imagery and the concept of "victory of the people"—makes it a timeless choice, perfectly suited for a school aiming to foster victorious, community-minded scholars.
Academic Performance: Test Scores and 2026 Rankings
For families evaluating schools, academic performance metrics are crucial. Colin L. Powell Academy, like all public schools in Maryland, is assessed through state standardized tests.
State Test Scores: A Closer Look
According to the latest available state test score data:
- Mathematics Proficiency: Approximately 7% of students are at least proficient.
- Reading Proficiency: Approximately 33% of students are at least proficient.
These percentages reflect the proportion of students meeting or exceeding the state’s standard for their grade level. It’s essential to contextualize these numbers:
- Compare them to Prince George's County Public Schools averages and the State of Maryland overall.
- Look for trend data—are scores improving, declining, or stable year-over-year?
- Consider subgroup performance (by grade, socioeconomic status, etc.) for a fuller picture, often available on the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) report card.
Understanding the 2026 Rankings
When we say "View their 2026 rankings," this typically refers to projected or upcoming rankings from organizations like Niche, GreatSchools, or U.S. News & World Report. These rankings synthesize multiple factors:
- Test Scores (as above)
- Student Progress (growth over time)
- Equity (performance gaps between student groups)
- Discipline & Attendance rates
- Parent & Student Reviews
Actionable Tip: Don’t rely on a single ranking. Visit the GreatSchools.org or Niche.com profile for Colin L. Powell Academy. Look for the 2026 summary (when published), read the detailed breakdown, and compare it to other PGCPS middle schools. Ask: Does this school’s strength align with my child’s needs? A school strong in STEM might rank differently than one with exceptional arts programs.
Community Feedback: Reading 85 Customer Reviews
A unique data point is the mention of "Read 85 customer reviews of Colin Powell Academy." These reviews, likely from platforms like GreatSchools, Facebook, or Google My Business, offer unfiltered insights from parents, students, and sometimes staff.
How to Analyze School Reviews Effectively
- Look for Recurring Themes: Do multiple reviews praise the dedicated teachers, challenging curriculum, or strong principal? Conversely, do they mention concerns about facility maintenance, large class sizes, or communication?
- Check the Dates: Recent reviews (within the last 1-2 years) are most relevant, as school leadership and dynamics change.
- Balance Emotion with Fact: A single angry review about a bus issue isn’t as telling as ten reviews over two years noting a pattern of late buses.
- Use Reviews as Questions, Not Verdicts: A review mentioning "great after-school clubs" should prompt you to visit the school’s website to see the current list of activities.
Find reviews, ratings, directions, business hours, and book appointments online through the school’s official page on the PGCPS website or via Google Maps. This is also where you’d find the most current contact information to book appointments for tours or meetings with administrators.
The Road Ahead: Future Graduation Requirements
A critical forward-looking detail is the implementation of additional future requirements:
- Ethnic Studies will become a graduation requirement for the Class of 2030.
- Personal Finance will become a graduation requirement for the Class of 2031.
These changes reflect a statewide and national trend toward a more holistic curriculum. For students currently at Colin L. Powell Academy (likely grades 6-8), this means:
- Their high school (likely a PGCPS high school) will integrate these new courses into the schedule.
- Ethnic Studies aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of the histories, cultures, and contributions of diverse racial and ethnic groups.
- Personal Finance will equip students with practical money management skills—budgeting, credit, investing—essential for adult life.
Proactive Advice for Parents: Stay informed through PGCPS communications about how these requirements will be phased in. Ask at high school information sessions how these new credits fit into the existing schedule and if they replace or add to current electives.
Practical Information for Families
To plan a visit or engage with the school, here are the essentials:
- School Hours:Doors open at 8:00 AM. The official start time, dismissal time, and any early release schedules are published on the school’s website. Always confirm before visiting.
- Location & Directions: Situated at 12200 Fort Washington Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744. Use GPS for precise navigation. The school is accessible via major routes like I-95/495 (Capital Beltway) and Indian Head Highway (MD-210).
- Contact & Appointments: The main office number is listed on the PGCPS directory. To book appointments (for enrollment, tours, or meetings with counselors), call the front office during business hours, typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
- Visiting Policy: Most schools require visitors to check in at the main office, present a photo ID, and wear a visitor’s badge. Call ahead to understand any specific entry protocols.
Conclusion: A School Steeped in Legacy, Focused on the Future
Colin L. Powell Academy represents a powerful intersection of historical legacy and modern educational ambition. Named for a leader who embodied the phrase "people of victory," the school strives to cultivate that same spirit of excellence and service in its students in Fort Washington, MD. While current state test scores show areas for growth—a common challenge in many diverse, large-suburb public schools—the school’s position within the robust Prince George's County Public Schools system provides access to resources and a broad curriculum.
The upcoming 2026 rankings will offer a refreshed snapshot of its performance, and the 85+ customer reviews provide a ground-level view of community experience. With future requirements in ethnic studies and personal finance on the horizon, the academy is adapting to prepare students not just for tests, but for life in a complex, interconnected world.
The recent ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 21, 2024, symbolizes ongoing investment and renewal. Whether you watch the recording online or walk the halls yourself, the message is clear: Colin L. Powell Academy is a community committed to moving forward, honoring a profound name, and writing its own story of student success in Prince George's County.
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Colin L Powell Academy (2026 Ranking) - Fort Washington, MD
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