About the DC Public Charter School Board (DC PCSB)

Created in 1996, DC PCSB is an independent government agency of the District of Columbia that provides academic and financial oversight to 133 public charter schools managed by 68 independently run nonprofit organizations called Local Education Agencies (LEAs) that are located in every quadrant of the city.   

As the sole public charter school authorizer in DC, our role differs from that of a school district or DCPS. We do not operate or directly manage public charter schools. That is the job of each school’s board of trustees and school leadership. Instead, we create the policies and conditions that empower teachers and school leaders to do their best word — and that’s educating students.  

Strategic Roadmap

In October 2021, we launched a strategic roadmap that focuses on equity -- and on the District students we serve. This strategic roadmap guides our work in three areas: Excellent Schools, Enduring Partnerships, and Effective Organization. Read more about each priority below: 

Excellent Schools:

Ensure that DC PCSB decision-making responds to city-wide needs and results in improved outcomes for all DC students, especially those in historically marginalized groups. 

Enduring Partnerships:

Strengthen dialogue between families, schools, communities, and residents to create a shared understanding of our work, solicit feedback, and develop new partnerships across DC. 

Effective Organization: 

Align our internal structure, processes, and culture with our strategic plan to allow DC PCSB to create the conditions for student success in DC.