Start a Charter School

DC PCSB will not be accepting applications for new local education agencies (LEAs) or grade expansion requests during the remainder of 2021 or during 2022 and will launch a new charter application and grade expansion evaluation process in 2023. DC PCSB will use this time to assess our current process and make updates in alignment with our Strategic Roadmap and the School Reform Act. DC PCSB will release revised charter application guidelines in Summer 2022 and looks forward to reviewing strong, innovative charter applications in 2023. 

During the next year, DC PCSB staff will take several critical steps to improve the review and evaluation of applications for new or expanding charter schools. They include:

  • Ensuring expectations for new and expanding schools are aligned with measures of quality included in the revised accountability framework, also being developed as part of DC PCSB’s Strategic Roadmap. 
  • Engage with community stakeholders, especially families, to understand the program types that are in demand and incorporate that feedback into the review process. 
  • Assess the enrollment landscape in a post-COVID environment and coordinate with city partners to ensure new schools are successful and students can thrive. 

DC PCSB staff will continue to support and meet with prospective applicants over the next year to provide updates on the planned improvements to our process. Please contact applications@dcpcsb.org with questions or to request more information.    

Although DC PCSB will not be accepting requests for grade expansions or new charter schools for the remainder of 2021 or during 2022, it will be considering Enrollment Ceiling Increase (ECI requests). Guidance for submitting an ECI request during SY 2021-22 can be found here: https://dcpcsb.egnyte.com/dl/rzhZSaHND6. 

 

Charter Applications Archive

View previously approved and denied Charter School Applications from 2011-2021.
View Archive Proposals