DC PCSB publishes a significant amount of information that we want to make sure it is easy for families and others to find. Moreover, our recently approved School Transparency Policy makes even more information available. Use the links below to get answers to questions frequently requested by school leaders, families, and community leaders.
General Information about Public Charter Schools
Learn more about a school's mission, charter goals, academic calendar, student employees and more on the school's profile page.
The school's annual report to DC PCSB, contain: detailed information about each school and its activities; its report on goals attainment, key data, including average, minimum and maximum teacher salaries; School academic calendar; Student handbook, include individual school's disciplinary policies, high school course offerings and graduation requirements (if applicable)
Results of DC PCSB's Qualitative Site Reviews for each school, showing results from in-depth classroom observations
We conduct reviews to provide families, teachers, and school administrative leaders another source of information to measure achievement and identify areas for improvement.
Each year, DC PCSB conducts a comprehensive assessment of finances and operations at individual DC Public Charter Schools' finances. These reviews check to see how well schools balance their checkbooks. High-performing schools ensure they have sufficient finances for the year plus any contingencies. In cases of low-rated schools, the Board works closely with a school's leadership for an improvement plan that ensures solvency. In addition, the Board publishes school-by-school financial information, including school budgets, fiscal audits, and 990s.
School's submit budgets to DC PCSB for the 12-month period (July 1-June 30). The annual budget outlines both the income and expenditures that are expected to be received and paid over the coming year.
Financial Information: School's Federal Tax Returns (990s)
School's submit this tax return form that nonprofits use to report their charitable receipts for the year. A form 990 is to be used by any 501(c) organization.
This report contains an analysis of each public charter school's fiscal health, highlighting areas of financial weakness; details of all not-for-profit and for-profit management companies; and details of school expenditures on facilities.
One element of DC PCSB’s mission is to provide quality public school options through a comprehensive application review process. Each year, DC PCSB accepts applications to open new schools from a variety of applicants, including groups of individuals; private, public, or quasi-public entities; institutions of higher education; and experienced operators of existing public charter schools outside DC.
A charter is the contract between DC PCSB and individual public charter schools which lays out how that school will operate. A school's charter includes: mission, grades/ages served, charter goals and student academic achievement expectations, graduation requirements (if applicable), Board of Trustee bylaws, enrollment ceiling (by year, for expanding schools), Management Agreement (if applicable).
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) uses its School Transparency and Reporting (STAR) Framework to identify schools in need of improvement. Designated schools must complete a School Improvement Plan subject to DC PCSB approval. School Improvement Plans are available for public review.
View Equity Report that includes academic performance, discipline, and mid-year withdrawal rates, in many cases broken out by subgroups. (Note that much of the information in equity reports has been replaced by OSSE's DC School Report Card, launched in 2018)
DC School Report Card includes academic attainment and proficiency, by subgroups; Discipline rates, by subgroup; Information about before & after school care and extracurricular activities; student mobility; Title I Status; teacher and health staff information; and Per Pupil Expenditures (coming this year).
Oversight testimony and responses to DC Council since 2013
Every year, DC PCSB responds to questions posed by DC Council and testifies during performance oversight hearings. View responses and testimony since 2013.
Each year, DC PCSB works with public charter local education agencies to track student attendance and disciplinary measures pursuant to the reporting requirements outlined in DC Code § 38-203(i).
DC PCSB creates the School Quality Report to allow families, school leaders, and other stakeholders to assess performance on several factors, including how well it prepares students for college or the workforce, improves student math and literacy skills, and growth on the state assessment in English language arts and mathematics.