Catie Burnette, Principal
Main Office: 919-856-7960
Bell Schedule: 9:20 a.m. - 3:50 p.m.
Home
![Kindergarten teacher at a small group kidney table leading three students in an activity.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774362134/wcpssnet/y6yw8axfwyfmlqb2jvsb/HERO-WashingtonES.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1774362134/wcpssnet/y6yw8axfwyfmlqb2jvsb/HERO-WashingtonES.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1774362134/wcpssnet/y6yw8axfwyfmlqb2jvsb/HERO-WashingtonES.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1774362134/wcpssnet/y6yw8axfwyfmlqb2jvsb/HERO-WashingtonES.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1774362134/wcpssnet/y6yw8axfwyfmlqb2jvsb/HERO-WashingtonES.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774362134/wcpssnet/y6yw8axfwyfmlqb2jvsb/HERO-WashingtonES.png","width":2000}])
Gifted and Talented
Our school provides all students with opportunities to discover their gifts and talents through a wide range of electives in all core subject areas - English Language Arts, math, science, and social studies - as well as electives in an extended variety of arts and physical education.
![The image depicts a colorful and vibrant stage setting with three individuals standing in the foreground, surrounded by a backdrop of patterned fabrics and vibrant lighting. Three students on are stage for the school's theater production.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774362150/wcpssnet/cm0bz1f0r6fmgkxxwtlc/LEFT-WashingtonES.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1774362150/wcpssnet/cm0bz1f0r6fmgkxxwtlc/LEFT-WashingtonES.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1774362150/wcpssnet/cm0bz1f0r6fmgkxxwtlc/LEFT-WashingtonES.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774362150/wcpssnet/cm0bz1f0r6fmgkxxwtlc/LEFT-WashingtonES.png","width":1080}])
School Calendar
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Our Magnet Academic Programs
Our school offers the following unique academic programs, allowing each learner to explore their interests and shape a personalized path to success.
![Gifted and Talented]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774363389/wcpssnet/tm5zzx7sfaktehrslxgj/ProgramHighlights-WashingtonES-1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774363389/wcpssnet/tm5zzx7sfaktehrslxgj/ProgramHighlights-WashingtonES-1.png","width":400}])
Gifted and Talented
Celebrates each student’s unique gifts by offering expanded elective opportunities that let them explore their interests and talents.
Our School Community
![A crowded classroom with students seated at desks, engaged in various activities, and a teacher standing at the front of the room.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774366846/wcpssnet/wqiiuatcvhvmwickta7u/CommunityHighlights-WashingtonES-61.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774366846/wcpssnet/wqiiuatcvhvmwickta7u/CommunityHighlights-WashingtonES-61.png","width":500}])
![A young student is intently focused on a laptop computer screen, surrounded by educational materials and posters in a classroom setting.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774366378/wcpssnet/p0illfjxbuh7phwwbulv/CommunityHighlights-WashingtonES-5.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774366378/wcpssnet/p0illfjxbuh7phwwbulv/CommunityHighlights-WashingtonES-5.png","width":500}])
![A group of people wearing matching red shirts, some holding medals, standing in front of a wooded area.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774366370/wcpssnet/ddkoyerjnog2myzuu14b/CommunityHighlights-Washington-4.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774366370/wcpssnet/ddkoyerjnog2myzuu14b/CommunityHighlights-Washington-4.png","width":500}])
![The image shows a group of people, including several individuals holding cameras, gathered around two men who appear to be engaged in a conversation in an outdoor setting with trees and greenery in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774366328/wcpssnet/mncmqavhuazbccf4zaat/CommunityHighlights-WashingtonES-1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774366328/wcpssnet/mncmqavhuazbccf4zaat/CommunityHighlights-WashingtonES-1.png","width":500}])
![A young girl wearing a white t-shirt with "BGC Cheer Squad" printed on it, smiling and standing in front of a blue wall.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774366341/wcpssnet/giucbyptgsh1zqu2kn3j/CommunityHighlights-Washington-2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774366341/wcpssnet/giucbyptgsh1zqu2kn3j/CommunityHighlights-Washington-2.png","width":500}])
![A group of children and adults performing on a stage, surrounded by colorful murals and artwork on the walls.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774366352/wcpssnet/jcfvxzgy3okwd8ymkl6x/CommunityHighlights-WashingtonES-3.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774366352/wcpssnet/jcfvxzgy3okwd8ymkl6x/CommunityHighlights-WashingtonES-3.png","width":500}])
Recognized for Excellence
These honors reflect the commitment of our educators, the achievements of our students, and the exceptional strength of public education in the Wake County Public School System.
2026 Magnet School of Excellence
Magnet Schools of America
2025 Top Magnet School of Excellence
Magnet Schools of America
2025 Certified Demonstration Magnet School
Magnet Schools of America
Academic Excellence
![Two young boys are engaged in a game of chess.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774364443/wcpssnet/ooiw3uputb2uzrblndql/AcademicHighlights-WashingtonES-1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774364443/wcpssnet/ooiw3uputb2uzrblndql/AcademicHighlights-WashingtonES-1.png","width":400}])
With nearly 200 elective options, there’s truly something for every interest and every learner.
![A student is smiling and resting their arms on a wooden table with their creation beside them.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774364456/wcpssnet/tuz7nrwhuoassi0gsdkr/AcademicHighlights-WashingtonES-2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774364456/wcpssnet/tuz7nrwhuoassi0gsdkr/AcademicHighlights-WashingtonES-2.png","width":400}])
Our school operates on the WCPSS traditional calendar.
![A young boy wearing a paint-splattered apron stands in a colorful classroom, smiling as he holds a paintbrush.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774364472/wcpssnet/twqqt0xsjiqu3qcfsxbl/AcademicHighlights-WashingtonES-3.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774364472/wcpssnet/twqqt0xsjiqu3qcfsxbl/AcademicHighlights-WashingtonES-3.png","width":400}])
Our magnet program offers expanded learning opportunities in the visual and performing arts.
![A young boy wearing a paint-splattered apron stands in a colorful classroom, smiling as he holds a paintbrush.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774364483/wcpssnet/hzhtwfcxbyflg4pwns7r/AcademicHighlights-Washington-4.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774364483/wcpssnet/hzhtwfcxbyflg4pwns7r/AcademicHighlights-Washington-4.png","width":400}])
Washington’s teacher retention rate is more than 10% higher than the WCPSS average.
Voices of Our School
Our school is defined by the people who invest in it every day: students, families, faculty, community leaders and a network of alumni.
![A family of four, consisting of a young man, an older man, a young woman, and a middle-aged woman, standing in front of a brick building with a floral mural on the wall.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774365691/wcpssnet/xfd6xvgr7loutqujkrb6/Testimonials-WashingtonES-4.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774365691/wcpssnet/xfd6xvgr7loutqujkrb6/Testimonials-WashingtonES-4.png","width":400}])
Jessica & Rodney Jeffries
"Washington ES deeply impacted our family. Teachers and staff inspired our children through diverse electives, building confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning that prepared them for what’s next."
Former Parents
![The image shows a smiling woman with dark hair wearing a black blazer and a white blouse, standing against a plain background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774365667/wcpssnet/f6rmp4buj5dqf82t4rpx/Testimonials-WashingtonES-3.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774365667/wcpssnet/f6rmp4buj5dqf82t4rpx/Testimonials-WashingtonES-3.png","width":400}])
Kimberly A. Bush
“Our partnership with Washington connects college and elementary students. Mentoring and programs give role models to children and hands-on experience to college students.”
Teaching Professor - NC State University
![The image shows a young woman with long, blonde hair wearing glasses and smiling at the camera against a dark background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774365656/wcpssnet/ki4gdadk9r1alrw4bjwr/Testimonials-WashingtonES-2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774365656/wcpssnet/ki4gdadk9r1alrw4bjwr/Testimonials-WashingtonES-2.png","width":400}])
Caroline Smith
“Washington brightened my life. Electives, classes, and enrichment were backed by staff who want the best for every student and family. I can’t imagine a better place.”
Alumni
![Two young people, a girl and a boy, are holding up a sign that says "Once a wizard, always a wizard!" against a backdrop of stars and a colorful banner.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774365452/wcpssnet/dov9lzkjp4tkpdoltnb0/Testimonials-WashingtonES-1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774365452/wcpssnet/dov9lzkjp4tkpdoltnb0/Testimonials-WashingtonES-1.png","width":400}])
Janani Sudarshan
“Washington helped me grow, explore career interests, and build strong connections with friends and teachers. I loved the electives and support from staff at WES.”
Alumni