About Us

Background

Launched in May of 2004 by School Founders and Leaders as a nonprofit organization operating under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, the mission of the DC Association of Chartered Public Schools is to improve opportunities and outcomes for students by supporting the development, growth, and sustainability of quality chartered public schools in Washington, DC. The Association serves all chartered public schools in the District of Columbia. In the 2016-2017 School Year, 41,677 students were enrolled in DC’s chartered public schools – that is 46% of the total public school enrollment. We are the collective voice of DC’s Chartered Public School Leaders.

The vision of the DC Association of Chartered Public Schools is that the chartered public schools in the District of Columbia, catalyzed and supported by their Association in strategic partnership with others, will become the quality research and learning center that is needed in the nation, to begin to answer critically important unanswered questions about the quality; demand, accessibility, and retention; governance; sustainability; and community development benefits of chartered public schools.

Programmatic offerings are Policy and Advocacy, including the official convenings of Charter School Leaders with the State Superintendent of Education, the Public Charter School Board’s Board Members and selected staff, and Executive and Legislative officials; School Quality initiatives designed to build cultures of continuous improvement in teaching and learning, governance, and advocacy relationships; Public Engagement intended to improve the image of and build public support for charter schools in DC and nationally; and Member Services anchored by substantial Group Purchasing Opportunities that yield deep discounts on essential products and services.

• Board of Directors
• Executive Director