Public charter schools are held accountable for academic achievement. The School Reform Act requires DC PCSB to conduct a charter review of each school at least every five years. After 15 years in operation, each school is required to submit a renewal application requesting to renew its charter for another 15-year term.

For families, the attendance and discipline performance of their child's school is important. Each day, we collaborate with our public charter schools to incorporate common-sense policies aimed at increasing attendance and improving discipline across the school districts. Transparency is our most important tool: We share information among schools to encourage better performance, and, in turn, we provide more information to parents and students.

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Part of the Office of the State Superintendent of Education’s (OSSE’s) role in school improvement is to ensure low performing schools carry out the strategies needed to improve academic outcomes for students.

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires each state educational agency receiving funds under Title I, Part A, section 1003 notify each local education agency (LEA) in the state of any school served by the LEA that is identified for comprehensive support and improvement under subsection (c)(4)(D)(i). Upon receiving such information from the state, the LEA shall, for each school identified by the state and in partnership with relevant parties (including principals and other school leaders, teachers, and parents), locally develop and implement a comprehensive support and improvement plan for the school to improve student outcomes.  

Beginning in the 2023-24 school year, DC has implemented a new name for its general statewide assessment system, which includes assessments in English language arts/literacy (ELA), mathematics and science. The District of Columbia Comprehensive Assessments of Progress in Education (DC CAPE) include the DC ELA assessment (DC ELA), the DC Math assessment (DC Math) and the DC Science assessment (DC Science). Together, these assessments create a comprehensive system that provides important information on students’ progress and proficiency relative to DC’s educational standards.

These assessments are essential tools for understanding students' academic growth, identifying areas of strength, and pinpointing where additional support may be needed. They provide valuable data to help educators, policymakers, and families make informed decisions about students’ learning experiences and future needs.

Resources generated from DC PCSB, OSSE, DC Health, and nonprofit organizations to support schools with their health, wellness, and sexual education programs.

The DC PCSB is dedicated to providing accessible information for families and the community. Starting in SY 2025-26, our newly approved Public Information Policy will also require schools to share similar information on their websites.

As part of our oversight efforts, we conduct an Annual Compliance Review to ensure public charter LEAs comply with applicable laws and charter requirements.