Overview
The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) is a reform-oriented urban school system serving 45,000 students in the nation’s capital under the leadership of Chancellor Michelle Rhee. The system has 123 schools and employs approximately 4,000 educators. DCPS is currently engaged in a comprehensive reform effort with the goal of becoming the preeminent urban school system in America. As a part of that effort, DCPS intends to have the highest performing, best paid, most satisfied, and most honored educator force in the nation.
Vision
- The District of Columbia Public Schools will be the highest performing urban school system in the country.
- The District of Columbia Public Schools will provide an outstanding education to every single student.
- The District of Columbia Public Schools will be the first major urban school district to eliminate the achievement gap.
- The District of Columbia Public Schools will be the first and best choice for families living in the District of Columbia.
Core Beliefs
- We believe that all children, regardless of background or circumstance, can achieve at the highest levels.
- We believe that achievement is a function of effort, not innate ability.
- We believe that we have the power and responsibility to close the achievement gap.
- We believe that our schools must be caring and supportive environments.
- We believe that it is critical to engage our students’ families and communities as valued partners.
- We believe that our decisions at all levels must be guided by robust data.
Schools
Find comprehensive information about DCPS schools and programs using our interactive map. Each school profile contains contact information, state assessment data, and details about special programs.
Learn more about our teachers and schools through select profiles. More information can be found about our district at www.dcps.dc.gov.
Data
Basic Data | 2007-2008 |
Average Daily Attendance | 90% |
Truancy Rate | 19% |
Graduation Rate | 68% |
Student Demographic Data | 2007-2008 |
% African-American | 81% |
% Latino | 11% |
% White | 7% |
% Other Ethnicity | 1% |
No Child Left Behind Student Subgroup Data | 2007-2008 |
| % Receiving Special Education Services | 20% |
% Receiving English Language Learner Services | 7% |
% Participating in Free/Reduced Price Lunch Program | 57% |
SAT Data | 2007-2008 |
Average Total SAT Score | 1202 |
Average SAT Reading Score | 409 |
Average SAT Math Score | 393 |
Average SAT Writing Score | 400 |
% Proficient/Advanced on the DC CAS (State Assessment) | 2007-2008 |
Elementary Reading | 46% |
Elementary Math | 40% |
Secondary Reading | 39% |
Secondary Math | 36% |
| Number of Schools Making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) | 2007-2008 |
Elementary Schools | 36 |
Middle Schools | 2 |
High Schools | 4 |
| % Proficient/Advanced on the NAEP | 2006-2007 |
4th Grade Reading | 14% |
8th Grade Reading | 12% |
4th Grade Math | 14% |
| 8th Grade Math | 8% |
Five-Year Plan and 2007-2008 Progress Report
Calendar
Event | 2009-2010 |
New Teacher Orientation | August 13-14, 2009 |
First Day for Educators | August 17, 2009 |
First Day for Students | August 24, 2009 |
Winter Break | December 21 - January 1, 2010 |
Spring Break | March 29 - April 5, 2010 |
DC CAS Testing | April 26 - May 7, 2010 |
Last Day for Students | June 18, 2010 |
Last Day for Educators | June 21, 2010 |
First Day of Summer School | June 28, 2010 |
More Information
For more information about DCPS, please visit us at www.dcps.dc.gov.