DC Public Charter School Board

As we continue celebrating 30 years of DC public charter schools, we’re reflecting on some memorable moments from Washington Yu Ying Public Charter School over the years.

📸 In 2014, students and staff welcomed former First Lady Michelle Obama for a special visit to the school.

📸 In 2011, Yu Ying students participated in a Chinese New Year parade, highlighting the school’s dual-language immersion program and celebration of culture and community.

📸 In 2008, Lead Teacher Chiachu Liang was pictured with students during the school’s founding year.

Visit our website to learn more about Yu Ying: https://www.washingtonyuying.org/

During a June 2, DC Council Committee of the Whole hearing, DC public charter school advocates and the DC Charter School Alliance urged the Council to give charter school students equal funding. “This is not a charter school versus public school issue,” said Brandon Woods of the board of directors for KIPP DC. “This is a fairness issue."

To learn more about the issue, read this NBC4 article: https://bit.ly/4vlDPX4

A student at DC International School interviewed DC Mayor Bowser, a personal and academic achievement. This had been one of student Edwin Achevedo's goals for his senior year, and it goes to show that with heart, hard work, and dedicated mentors, your goals are well within your reach.

With new blogs posted to our website every week, our Newsroom is an excellent place to find resources, information, and stories about public charter schools around the sector.

At this year's Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Expo, graduates of Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School swept the competition, winning all three top prizes! Even more than that, 5 of the 8 finalists were Carlos Rosario PCS alumni! The Carlos Rosario School Small Business Program also received the GWHCC Community Impact Award!

This competition draws over 1,000 competitors every year and this, its 50th year, makes these accomplishments even more meaningful as the Carlos Rosario School Small Business Program is celebrating its first decade. "Watching our graduates take the top three prizes in the pitch competition while also being recognized as Community Impact Partner of the Year confirms what we have always believed: this program changes lives and strengthens our local economy,” said Raul Medrano about this recognition.

The celebration of 30 years of DC public charter school excellence continues 🎉

Today we are spotlighting the journey of the Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School and its lasting impact on the DC community.

In the first photo from 2002, the groundbreaking of the Harvard Street Campus is underway, with former Board members, former Chief Academic Officer Allison Kokkoros, and founder Sonia Gutierrez present for this important milestone.

The second photo, taken in 2015, shows the 500 block of V Street NE being officially designated Sonia Gutierrez Campus Way, a powerful recognition of the school’s legacy and contributions to the city.

These moments reflect how far the school has come and the strong role it continues to play in supporting adult learners and families across DC.

What does Carlos Rosario’s impact mean to you or someone you know? We’d love to hear your reflections in the comments. ⬇️

Would you believe these photos were taken 25 years ago? 😯

These images from 2001 offer a special look back at the early years of Capital City Public Charter School and the people who helped build its community.

In the first photo, students are pictured with PK Assistant Teacher Aisha Hassan, who now serves as the school’s Director of Operations.

In the second image, students are focused hard at work in the classroom. One familiar face may stand out: the student second from the right in the blue and white shirt with a ponytail is Tiffany Solis, now Capital City’s College Counseling & Alumni Affairs Manager.

The final image shows students receiving a clarinet demonstration while the school was still located above the former CVS in Columbia Heights at 14th and Irving St. NW.

What’s a memorable experience you’ve had at Capital City? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments! ⬇️

As we continue celebrating 30 years of public charter schools in DC, let's throwback to when the Mundo Verde Public Charter School J.F. Cook Campus first opened its doors 10 years ago in 2016! 🙌🏾✨

These photos highlight some special moments from the campus’s early days and the community that helped bring the vision to life.

In the first image, students are joined by founding Executive Director Kristin Scotchmer and founding Principal Dahlia Agular during the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The second photo shows students gathered in front of the building during a visit in 2014 before the campus officially opened.

The final image captures the beginning stages of renovation, with Kristin walking through the site as work began.

Have you attended or worked at the J.F. Cook Campus? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments!

"Have you had a chance to watch Episode 2 of Unchartered Territory — Designing Schools for What's Next — yet?

We would love to know what resonated with you. What does designing schools for what's next mean in your community?

Watch now and share your thoughts: https://dcpcsb.org/podcast

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