The School Reform Act of 1995 (SRA) requires applicants seeking to establish a new public charter school in DC to file a petition with DC PCSB, as the sole authorizer. This archive displays previously approved and denied charter school applications from 2011 through 2025.

The 2026 Charter Application Guidelines describe the process by which DC PCSB will receive and evaluate new school applications. To be considered for approval, an applicant must meet, at a minimum, the standard “Need and Demand.” For more information regarding the charter application process, visit Start a Charter School. For questions, contact [email protected]. 

DC PCSB announces a new timeline for the 2026 New School Charter Application Cycle. Most importantly, we will shift the cycle to the fall while lengthening the planning year.

Fiscal audits for public charter schools ensure financial integrity by reviewing expenditures, revenues, and compliance with regulations. These audits provide transparency, build trust among relevant parties, and help maintain accountability in financial management. Detailed audit reports are published, below, annually, offering insights into each school's financial health and operational efficiency.  

Note:  FY2025 fiscal audits have been posted.

Congress opened the door for public charter school in the nation’s capital when it passed the DC School Reform Act of 1995 and all public charter schools in the District of Columbia are authorized under the DC Code. The DC Public Charter School Board is an independent body governed by the School Reform Act, which is codified in Title 38, Subtitle IV, Chapter 18. View the DC Code.