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September 2, 2025
Learn about our school accountability system
ASPIRE is DC PCSB’s academic accountability system. It enables us as DC’s only charter authorizer to evaluate and review schools’ performance in service of their mission and students.
ASPIRE Accountability SystemOver the past three school years, the total number of complaints and concerns has steadily declined, which shows that schools are finding ways to proactively address issues, strengthen communication with families, and resolve concerns at the school level before they escalate:
While volume is trending downward, the most frequent concerns remain consistent. Health and safety continues to top the list, followed by discipline and special education.
Top Complaint Types by Year:
We share this information not to place blame, but to lift up themes we’re hearing from individuals that share. In many cases, school leaders responded quickly and thoughtfully—demonstrating the commitment and care that define their leadership.
Our goal is to be transparent about how we respond to feedback and to continue supporting schools and those who share feedback in creating safe, responsive, and inclusive school environments. We believe that strong community relationships, open communication with callers, and proactive problem-solving are essential to our collective success.
As we collaborate with schools to find solutions, here are two examples of how schools addressed formal community complaints:
These voices don’t just highlight problems; they can also lead to meaningful change. We remain committed to listening, responding, and partnering with schools to take action, when necessary. This feedback drives improvement, and our response is grounded in accountability and care.
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