Authorizing Practices
School Updates

2024: Charter School Reviews and Renewals

The DC School Reform Act (also referred to as the SRA) requires DC PCSB to keep schools accountable to their academic goals so that students can thrive. As part of our oversight work, we conduct a review of public charter LEAs at least every five years. For schools founded 15 years ago, we ensure they have met the goals before renewing their charters, allowing the school to continue to operate.

Several schools have had their charters reviewed so far this year. 

Schools that have charter reviews go through the following process: 

 

  1. Schools are first invited to a pre-review meeting with DC PCSB, to further discuss the review process
  2. After the meeting, DC PCSB will conduct its Qualitative Site Review (QSR)
  3. Next, the school will be issued a preliminary charter review report from DC PCSB, containing assessment details and a formal recommendation to the Board
  4. The school is then invited to respond to their preliminary review report, by correcting factual inaccuracies or submitting a written response. 
  5. During the final step, the DC PCSB Board votes on whether the school can continue its charter. If issues are found, charters may be revoked, or allowed to continue with conditions. 

 

There are some cases where DC PCSB is required by law to revoke charters. This happens if the school has material financial insufficiency, meaning it did not adhere to generally accepted accounting principles, engaged in a pattern of fiscal mismanagement, or it needs to be economically viable. 

 

The DC PCSB Board found that these schools continue to satisfy their charter conditions and can continue to operate for the next 10, 20, and 25 years. 

 

Schools Who Completed Their 25-Year Review

 

 

Schools Who Completed Their 20-Year Review 

 

 

Schools Who Completed Their 10-Year Review 

 

  • District of Columbia International School (Presented to the Board May 20, 2024)
  • Lee Montessori PCS (Presented to the Board May 20, 2024)

 

You can learn more about the charter review and renewal process here.