Authorizing Practices

I Dream PCS Relinquishes Charter, School Will Close at the end of the School Year

Following a comprehensive charter review, I Dream Public Charter School, located in Ward 7 will close at the end of this school year. The final day for students and staff is June 18.

As part of its oversight responsibilities, the DC Public Charter School Board (DC PCSB) conducts rigorous evaluations to assess school performance against academic, financial, and operational standards. During the most recent review, the school did not meet the necessary benchmarks and staff was going to recommend to the Board that the school be placed under conditions for continued operation. After careful deliberation, the I Dream PCS Board of Trustees chose to relinquish its charter. 

DC PCSB recognizes that this decision has a profound impact on students, families, and staff. In response, efforts are underway to provide support and resources to impacted students, families and staff during this transition. The school has communicated directly with families and staff, and community meetings have been held to address concerns. 

DC PCSB is actively working with I Dream PCS to ensure students have access to quality school options for the 2025–26 academic year. Family engagement coordinators will contact families to assist them with the enrollment process and provide information about options. To date, I Dream PCS has held two community meetings and a meeting for staff.  

For staff members, DC PCSB is coordinating employment assistance, including three upcoming hiring fairs that will connect educators and support staff with potential opportunities. Information regarding these fairs has been shared internally and will also be available on social media.

In the coming weeks, DC PCSB will continue to collaborate with My School DC, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), DC Public Schools (DCPS), and other key agencies to facilitate a smooth transition. Additionally, on April 7, the DC PCSB Board will formally acknowledge I Dream PCS’s decision to relinquish its charter.

DC PCSB remains committed to ensuring that all students in Washington, DC, have access to quality education.

Read the DC PCSB staff memo to the Board here and the school’s letter to DC PCSB here.