Six Charter Schools Opening With Unique Outlooks

Studies Include Latin and ESL

Charter schools are free public schools open to all District residents. They are publicly funded but operate according to their individual charters, independent of the D.C. public schools administration. Two city-based entities authorize and regulate charter schools: the D.C. Public Charter School Board and the D.C. Board of Education. Six new charter schools are opening this school year. Here's a look at what they will offer:

City Collegiate Public Charter School

3265 S St. NW

(Jelleff Boys & Girls Club)

202-492-5391

http://www.citycollegiatepcs.org

Authorizer:

D.C. Public Charter School Board

The school will open Monday with 50 students in the seventh grade, the maximum number per grade level. It eventually will serve grades six through 12. It is on three acres of land and has a gymnasium and a staff of 12, including three full-time teachers.

Principal Phyllis Hedlund said she and a group of parents and others wanted to develop a small school with an environment that research says benefits adolescents.

"There's really no gimmick to us except best practices for adolescent learners," Hedlund said.

Education Strengthens Families Public Charter School

2333 Ontario Rd. NW

202-797-7337