The purpose of the Qualitative Site Review (QSR) is to provide DC Public Charter School Board (DC PCSB), public charter school leaders, and other community members with qualitative evidence to complement the quantitative evidence gathered in the accountability framework and charter goal attainment to determine charter continuance at reviews. (The School Reform Act requires DC PCSB to conduct a charter review of each school at least every five years.)

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.