Perhaps you're not satisfied with the kind of education your child is getting in his or her current school. Perhaps you're looking for a special program for your child - in the arts, in science or technology, in foreign language immersion. Perhaps your child has special needs that aren't being met. Whatever the reason, when you choose to send your child to a public charter school in the District of Columbia, you are taking a positive step to improve his or her education. D.C.'s 63 public charter schools are providing good schooling to nearly 17,800 D.C.. students, and new schools open up every year.
Public charter schools are located all over the District and serve pre-kindergarten through adult students. The majority are small - under 300 students - and have small classes. Many have longer school days and school years to increase your child's learning time. All feature dedicated teachers and a strong commitment to do whatever is necessary to help your child learn.
Public charter schools are free for D.C. residents, publicly funded, and do not screen students for any reason. Public charter schools are separate from DCPS but are highly accountable to parents and to the public. Two parents are on the board of trustees of every public charter school, and parent involvement in the schools is welcome.
You'll find on this web site just about everything you need to know about D.C.'s public charter schools. Once you find a school that looks promising, call them up and arrange a visit. And call FOCUS if you need more information.
