Eight Groups Seek to Open Public Charter Schools in the District
We have accepted eight applications from groups seeking to open a new public charter school in Washington, DC. If approved, the public charter schools would open in the 2018-19 school year.
The proposals include two elementary schools, two middle schools, a high school, two adult schools and a hybrid high school and adult school.
One element of our mission is to provide quality public school options through a comprehensive application review process. After accepting the applications, our staff will evaluate each application based on its Standard for Approval, which requires that the application demonstrate:
- Need for the school
- Sufficient progress in developing the plan
- Consistency of the mission and philosophy
- Inclusiveness
- Founding group ability
We are accepting public comment on the applications until May 2. Interested parties can submit public comment by:
- Email to [email protected]
- Postal mail/hand delivery: Attn: Public Comment, DC Public Charter School Board, 3333 14th Street, NW, Suite 210, Washington, DC 20010
Each applicant group will also have a public hearing on April 24 at 6:30pm and May 1 at 5:30 p.m. The Board will vote on each proposal on May 22 at 6:30 p.m.
| Applicant | Type of Program | Mission | Grades Served | Application |
| The Adult Career Technical Education PCS (TACTE) | Integrated, accelerated career and technical curriculum that offers HS diplomas | Our mission is to provide students the opportunity to acquire good quality, affordable, academic, technical, and social skills, which will prepare them for successful career employment. We also teach the necessity for life-long learning to meet the needs of the District of Columbia and the changing society at-large. | Ages 16-24 | Application |
| Citizens of the World | Rigorous college preparatory progam that offers an experiential learning environment | The mission of Citizens of the World DC is to provide an excellent public education focused on developing and demonstrating understanding while building connections within a diverse community. | PK3-5 | Application |
| CyberTech High School | College prep program focused on mindfulness and the information technology field | CyberTech Public Charter High School will provide its scholars with a rigorous, college preparatory 21st century learning experience centered on providing occupational and informational access to the information technology field. | 9-12 |
Withdrew |
| Digital Pioneers Academy | College prep program with a computer science focus | The mission of Digital Pioneers Academy (DPA) is to develop the next generation of innovators. We prepare students to meet or exceed the highest academic standards, while cultivating the strength of character necessary to both graduate from four-year colleges and persist in 21st century careers. | 6-8 | Application |
| The Family Place | Adult program serving primarily English learners | The mission of The Family Place Public Charter School is to improve the literacy and workplace skills of low-income limited English proficient adults in the District so that they and their family are self sustaining, employable and engaged in their community. | Adult | Application |
| Interactive Academy | Project-based and student-centered elementary school | The mission of Interactive Academy PCS is to create an inclusive learning environment that actively engages students in the learning process so that students become socially responsible citizens prepared for college, career, and civic engagement. | PK3-5 | Withdrew |
| North Star | All boys college prep program | The mission of the North Star College Preparatory Academy for Boys is to create a boy-friendly pedagogy-informed academic environment within which young men are equipped with the academic skills, social competencies, and personal development necessary to navigate life challenges, attend and complete the college of their choice, and return to become the premier agents of social change within and for the communities they serve. | P4-8 | Application |
| Washington School of the Arts and Academics | Waldorf high school focused on arts and academics | Washington School of Arts and Academics will provide a holistic education to Washington, D.C. students in a supportive, inclusive community, through an engaging educational program, to prepare individuals for success in life. | 9-12 | Application |
The Board’s Parent and Alumni Leadership Council will host a Town Hall to discuss each of the proposed school’s applications on April 11 at 6 p.m. RSVP here.
We have accepted eight applications for new public charter schools.