Four Groups Seek to Open Public Charter Schools in the District

Four groups submitted applications to open a public charter school in Washington, DC. If approved, the public charter schools could open in the 2019-20 school year.

One proposal plans to educate students in grades 5-8, another will serve grades 6-12, and two will offer grades 9-12. 

It is our mission to provide quality public school options to DC families through a comprehensive application review process. After accepting the proposals, our staff evaluates each application based on our Standard for Approval, which requires that the application demonstrate five criteria: a demonstrated need for the school; sufficient progress in developing the plan; consistency of the mission and philosophy; inclusiveness; and founding group ability.

The criteria are evaluated through the following process:

  1. Review of the written application using the Charter Application Guidelines;
  2. Visit an existing school(s) operated by the group (if applicable) before May 19;
  3. Hold capacity interviews on April 3.  (These interviews allow DC PCSB staff to ask in-depth and clarifying questions about the proposal to each applicant group); and
  4. Public hearings, which are opportunities for DC PCSB Board and the public to hear from the applicant groups and public.

Proposed Charter Schools

Applicant

Mission

Grades Served

Capital Village Academy

The mission of Capital Village 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.

5-8

M.E.C.C.A. Business Learning Institute (MBLI)

The mission of MBLI is to educate middle through high school students’ on the fundamental theories and practices of global business with a focus on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and leadership, in an innovative, academically rigorous, engaging school setting.

6-12

BOLT Academy

The school’s mission is to prepare DC high school students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to succeed in the colleges and careers of our increasingly globalized world.

9-12

Friendship PCS Online High School

Friendship PCS is applying to expand their online program to serve high school students. The mission of Friendship Public Charter School is to provide a world-class education that motivates students to achieve high academic standards, enjoy learning, and develop as ethical, literate, well-rounded and self-sufficient citizens who contribute actively to their communities.

9-12

 

The Board will hear from the public on April 23 and have a final vote on May 21.