A Quick Look at Charter Review Outcomes from March 17 Board Meeting

At the DC PCSB meeting on March 17, 2025, the Board made decisions on Cedar Tree Academy PCS, Hope Community PCS, and IDEA PCS. Each school's academic performance, finances, and organizational effectiveness were evaluated. 

At the DC PCSB meeting on March 17, 2025, the Board made decisions on Cedar Tree Academy PCS, Hope Community PCS, and IDEA PCS. Each school's academic performance, finances, and organizational effectiveness were evaluated. 

 

These schools were evaluated on their performance during School Year 2019-20 through School Year 2023-24. Here’s a recap of the meeting:

 

Cedar Tree Academy PCS

 

Located in Ward 8, Cedar Tree Academy PCS opened its doors in 2001 with a mission to provide a safe learning environment that fosters social, emotional, cognitive, and creative development, preparing students to become active, independent learners for students PK3 through grade 2. 

 

During their 25-year charter review, the Board decided to continue the charter.

 

Chair Shantelle Wright had this to say about Cedar Tree’s exemplary performance over the last five years:

 

“Congratulations to Cedar Tree PCS for reaching the 25-year mark. We opened our first charter school in 1996, so our charter sector is only 29 years old, so Cedar Tree has been open for 25 of those 29 years. That is no easy feat, particularly during a world pandemic. Congratulations on getting to this point!”

 

Executive Director LaTonya Henderson was appreciative of DC PCSB’s support over the years:

“I would like to take the moment to express my sincere appreciation to PCSB and the Charter Alliance for all of your unwavering support for Cedar Tree over the years. Your partnership has been an integral part of our success, and we are deeply grateful for the resources, guidance, and encouragement you have continued to provide. Our accomplishments would not have been possible without the steadfast commitment to the success of our school and our students. We are excited about the future and look forward to continuing to ensure that Cedar Tree remains a beacon of excellence for all students and families.”

Congratulations to Cedar Tree PCS! 

Hope Community PCS

Hope Community PCS operates one campus in Ward 5, serving students from PK3 through grade 8. The school's mission is to shape the hearts and minds of scholars positively, by providing them with an academically rigorous, content-rich curriculum, an environment in which character is modeled and promoted, and a community in which to build trusting relationships with others.

During the 20-year review, the Board voted to continue the charter with four conditions. The conditions include meeting a specific academic goal in SY 2024- 25, and demonstrating improved progress toward English language proficiency. Read the conditions here.

According to Kirsten James, Director of Accountability, DC PCSB evaluated Hope Community Public Charter School’s performance on its charter goals for the next three school years, using the goal attainment pathways outlined in the Charter Goals policy for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years. Hope Community PCS did not fully meet any goal attainment pathway in either year.

Members of the Hope Community PCS Board were disappointed with the school’s performance and expressed a strong desire to see improvements.

The chair of Hope Community’s Board of Trustees said, “Over recent years, we have navigated challenges, the pandemic, shifts in enrollment growth, demographic shifts, all impacting our performance, but we have remained optimistic amid these challenges. We have worked collaboratively to implement changes that over time should position the school for academic success and growth.”

IDEA PCS

Located in Ward 7, IDEA PCS serves students in grades 9 through 12, its mission is to prepare students with the academic, social, leadership, and occupational skills necessary for post-secondary opportunities and to be responsible citizens who contribute to the community.

During its 25-year review,  IDEA PCS received the vote of continuance with conditions. Some conditions include meeting specific academic goals for the next three school years, reporting progress, and improving compliance with laws relating to the education of students with disabilities. Read the conditions here.

In brief remarks, Gina Lucchesi, Senior Specialist of School Quality and Evaluation, stated that IDEA did not fully meet any goal attainment pathways for SY 2022-23 and SY 2023-24.

IDEA PCS CEO Dr. Brian Rahaman addressed the school’s effort toward refining curriculum and systems.

“Over the past couple of years, our school has worked hard to engage students and families and help accelerate their learning. We’ve also refined our curriculum to ensure alignment with the essential standards and skills to be successful, both in school and in life. Our team has especially developed and refined systems to deliver on our promise to provide a high-quality education to every student we serve.”

Each school will notify their families about DC PCSB’s decision. We will also share information on our website and social media.