Fast Facts:

Law enacted: 1996

Most recently amended: N/A

Number of charter schools: 142

Number of charter students: 47,600

Cap on the number of schools allowed: Yes, 10 yearly, with unused slots carrying over.

Virtual charters allowed: Yes

Charter Law Analysis:

AUTHORIZERS: The DC Public Charter School Board (DCPCSB) is the sole, independent authorizer, though the original law allowed for the school board and entities such as museums and universities to be selected by the City Council.

GROWTH: An annual cap of 10 does not impede DC charter growth and remaining charters are carried over from year to year. 

OPERATIONS: The congressional act establishing charter schools in the District granted the DCPCSB authority to authorize as well as independence from all city and "state" activities. Charters here operate free from typical rules and regulations, although that has been threatened by city council members and others in recent years. There have been numerous attempts by union opponents and others to micromanage and interfere with charter autonomy over the years and, and many restrictions have been proposed in the last couple of years to increase oversight by local entities not involved in chartering. In 2024, the Mayor's office recommended even further restrictions through amendments to the boundaries, which makes operating a charter dependent on prescribed enrollment levels. A very bad move for student progress should that become city policy.

EQUITY: DC charters have more equitable funding than most states, and also have the most robust per-pupil funding program in the country. The law stipulates that charter school students be funded the same as traditional district students under the uniform per-pupil funding formula, but this provision applies only to operating funding from the District's general fund. However, the school district receives significant additional operating funds through other city and federal agencies that charter schools cannot access.

Fast Facts:

Number of programs: 1

Statewide participation: 3,100

Types of programs: Voucher

Choice Laws & Analysis:

Voucher
Opportunity Scholarship Program
Law Enacted: 2023
Most Recently Amended: 2023
The Opportunity Scholarship Program is a voucher program that began in 2004, and serves students from low-income households. Eligibility guidelines state that students must be current DC residents, and receive SNAP benefits or have a household income that is at or below the 185% federal poverty level.

USE OF STUDENT DATA IN EVALUATING TEACHER PREP

"District of Columbia does not currently use student achievement or growth data to hold teacher preparation programs accountable."

This is just one indicator from The National Council on Teacher Quality, which collects and analyzes states on how well their policies and practices lead to well-prepared teachers. They collect data on state laws and regulations concerning the preparation of teachers, the policies that govern their oversight and the contracts that guide their employment. Learn more about your state here.