Eleven New Public Charter Schools Seek to Open in DC
Earlier this week, we received 11 new applications from groups seeking to open a public charter school in Washington DC. If approved, the school would open in school year 2020-21.
The applications offer a variety of prekindergarten through adult program options. The types of programs include Arabic immersion, Project Based Learning, single-sex, intergenerational model, EL (formerly Expeditionary Learning), and Montessori.
The public is encouraged to review and submit comment on the applications now through April 22. DC PCSB will hold a public hearing on all the new school proposals on April 22 and April 23, 2019. DC PCSB will vote on all the applications on May 20, 2019.
DC PCSB evaluates each application based on four elements:
- A written application, based on the Charter Application Guidelines (available above);
- Site visits to the operator’s existing school(s), when applicable;
- Capacity interviews, which are question-and-answer-style discussions between DC PCSB staff and the applicant; and
- Public hearings, which are opportunities for the DC PCSB Board and the public to hear from the applicants.
Based on evidence gathered in each of these steps, DC PCSB reviews applicant groups based on five criteria:
- Demonstrated need for the school;
- Sufficient progress in developing the plan;
- Consistency of the mission and philosophy;
- Inclusiveness; and
- Founding group ability.
Each of these is defined in more detail in the Charter Application Guidelines.
New Charter School Applications
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Anna Julia Cooper |
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Mission |
The training of the head, hand, and heart of K-12 youth in Washington, DC through a content-rich classical education in the liberal arts and sciences with instruction in the principles of moral character and civic virtue, nurturing good and self-governing citizens.
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Grades |
K-12 |
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Link to Redacted Application in Egnyte |
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Type of Program |
Classical liberal arts and science education |
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The Garden Education |
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Mission |
To equitably transform student outcomes through rigorous and relevant teaching, consistent socioemotional support, and rewarding community partnerships. |
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Grades |
9-12 |
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Link to Redacted Application in Egnyte |
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Type of Program |
Project Based Learning |
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Arabic Language |
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Mission |
The school aims to educate children of diverse abilities, from all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds in a safe, welcoming, supportive, joyful, rigorous educational environment. ALPCS curriculum and culture are designed to nurture all students to become effective global citizens in a multicultural world.
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Grades |
PK3-5 |
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Link to Redacted Application in Egnyte |
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Type of Program |
Language Immersion |
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Aspire to Excellence Academy |
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Mission |
Aspire to Excellence Academy (“Aspire Academy”) will offer high-quality pre-school and vocational educational options for children, teenagers and adults in the District of Columbia. In a supportive learning environment, Aspire Academy will serve as a guiding force for students to successful navigate their educational careers toward achieving a purpose-filled life. |
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Grades |
PK3-PK4, Adult |
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Link to Redacted Application in Egnyte |
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Type of Program |
Intergenerational model (PK & Adult learners) |
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Bolt Academy |
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Mission |
BOLT Academy will prepare DC high school students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to be successful in colleges, careers, and life. |
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Grades |
9-12 |
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Link to Redacted Application in Egnyte |
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Type of Program |
Global leadership |
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Capital Village |
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Mission |
The mission of Capital Village Public Charter Schools is to prepare all students, regardless of background or circumstance, to reach their full potential in college, career, and life in order to become agents of change in their communities. |
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Grades |
5-8 |
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Link to Redacted Application in Egnyte |
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Type of Program |
EL (Formerly Expeditionary Learning) |
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Evolve |
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Mission |
Evolve Public Charter School will empower a diverse group of D.C. high school scholars to discover and realize their purpose through a project based, internship-focused education that is fully customized to their unique strengths and challenges. |
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Grades |
9-12 |
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Link to Redacted Application in Egnyte |
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Type of Program |
Project based, internship-focused |
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Girls Global Academy |
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Mission |
The mission of Girls Global Academy is to foster pathways to lead and learn. |
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Grades |
9-12 |
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Link to Redacted Application in Egnyte |
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Type of Program |
Single Sex |
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I Dream Academy DC |
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Mission |
I Dream Academy DC is an intentionally transformative learning community that nurtures 3-10 year-olds to imagine and fulfill their dreams and aspirations. We collaborate with communities to customize purposeful, self-directed learning opportunities for all children. |
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Grades |
PK3-5 |
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Link to Redacted Application in Egnyte |
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Type of Program |
Inquiry based, learner centered approach |
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Social Justice School |
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Mission |
The Social Justice School (SJS), will catalyze an integrated community of middle school students, 5th-8th grade, to be scholar-activists who are designers of a more just world. |
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Grades |
5-8 |
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Link to Redacted Application in Egnyte |
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Type of Program |
EL (Formerly Expeditionary Learning) focused in social justice activism |
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The Sojourner Truth School |
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Mission |
The mission of The Sojourner Truth School is to empower students to transform the world. Students at Truth will graduate ready for success in college, career, and life. |
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Grades |
6-12 |
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Link to Redacted Application in Egnyte |
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Type of Program |
Montessori |