DC School Choice
Washington, D.C. supports school choice for families through the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program. The District offers one federally funded scholarship program providing up to $10,000 for elementary students and $15,000 for high school students, a robust network of tuition-free public charter schools serving nearly half of all students, and homeschooling options. Unlike many states, DC does not currently operate local ESAs or tax credit scholarship programs. Charter schools remain free and open to all DC residents through the My School DC common lottery system.
The District of Columbia Opportunity Scholarship
The District of Columbia Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP), a federally funded initiative, provides scholarships to eligible students in the District of Columbia to attend participating private elementary or secondary schools of their choice in the District of Columbia. Administered by the U.S. Department of Education, the DC school choice program aims to offer expanded educational options to low-income parents residing in the District.
Choosing the Right Program for Your Family
DC’s school choice landscape offers diverse options serving different family needs and circumstances:
Families Seeking Private School Tuition Help
Best Option: DC Opportunity Scholarship Program is the primary option for low-income families (SNAP recipients or earning up to 185% FPL for new applicants). Provides up to $10,000-$15,000 annually. Must apply to both the scholarship program AND participating private schools separately. Timeline consideration: Private school application deadlines vary (December–May), and families must secure admission before using the scholarship.
Families Wanting Free Public School Alternatives
Best Options: Charter schools (48% of DC students) or out-of-boundary DCPS schools through My School DC lottery. Both completely free with many specialized programs (language immersion, Montessori, STEM, arts). Rank up to 12 schools on one application. No income requirements.
Families Seeking Guaranteed Enrollment
Best Option: In-boundary DCPS neighborhood school. Every DC resident has a guaranteed right to enroll in their assigned neighborhood school without participating in a lottery.
Families Wanting Specialized Educational Approaches
Best Options: Charter schools or DCPS specialized programs offer language immersion, Montessori, classical education, STEM focus, arts integration, project-based learning, and more. Apply through My School DC lottery (December-March).
Families Seeking Complete Educational Control
Best Option: Homeschooling provides maximum flexibility over curriculum and schedule. File Notice of Intent with OSSE. Be prepared to bear all educational expenses (no DC funding for homeschool materials).
Families with Multiple Children
Sibling preference applies in the My School DC lottery. If one child already attends a school, younger siblings receive priority. The DC Opportunity Scholarship also prioritizes siblings of current scholarship recipients.
Families with Students with Special Needs
All DC public schools (DCPS and charter) must serve students with disabilities and comply with IDEA. Students retain all rights and protections. Private schools participating in DC OSP also serve students with special needs, though services may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does DC have Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)?
No. DC does not currently operate local ESAs. The DC Opportunity Scholarship Program is the only active scholarship program for private school tuition, and it is federally funded.
How do I apply for school choice in DC?
For public schools (charter and DCPS): Apply through My School DC (December-March). For private school scholarships: Apply to the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program (September-February) and directly to participating private schools.
Can I apply to both charter schools and traditional public schools?
Yes. The My School DC lottery allows families to rank up to 12 schools (any combination of charter and DCPS schools) on one application.
What happens if my child doesn’t get into our first-choice school?
Families are automatically placed on waitlists for any schools ranked higher than their matched school. Schools contact families directly when seats become available throughout the year. Families can accept a waitlist offer at any time.
Do I need to reapply every year?
Charter/DCPS schools: No, students advance automatically once enrolled (must verify DC residency annually). DC Opportunity Scholarship: Yes, families must renew annually and continue to meet income requirements.
Can my child participate in sports and extracurricular activities?
Yes. Both charter schools and DCPS schools offer extracurricular activities, athletics, and clubs. Private schools participating in the DC Opportunity Scholarship also provide extracurriculars, though offerings vary by school.
What is the difference between a charter school and a private school?
Charter Schools: Publicly funded, tuition-free, open to all DC residents, must meet District academic standards, participate in My School DC lottery. Private Schools: Independently funded, charge tuition, have selective admissions, not bound by District academic standards. May be eligible for DC OSP funding for qualifying families.
How much does school choice cost?
Charter Schools and DCPS: Free (no tuition). Private Schools: Tuition varies widely (average $29,000 elementary, $35,000 high school), but DC OSP covers up to $10,000-$15,000 for eligible families. Homeschooling: Variable costs; families bear all expenses.
Will using school choice affect my child’s ability to return to their neighborhood public school?
No. Students can return to their in-boundary DCPS school at any time. DC residents have a guaranteed right to enroll in their assigned neighborhood school without participating in the lottery.
Are standardized tests required?
Charter/DCPS Schools: Yes, students take PARCC assessments and other District-mandated tests. DC OSP: Yes, students must take standardized tests at their private school. Homeschooling: Not required, though families may choose to administer assessments.
How does school choice affect siblings?
Sibling preference is provided in both the My School DC lottery and the DC Opportunity Scholarship. If one child already attends a school or receives a scholarship, younger siblings receive priority.
What transportation options are available?
DCPS: Free transportation for in-boundary students or students with IEP transportation requirements. Charter Schools: Many provide free transportation; varies by school. Private Schools (DC OSP): Scholarship can cover public transportation (Metro) but not private transportation.
Can homeschool students participate in public school activities?
Policies vary by school. Some DCPS schools allow homeschool students to participate in specific extracurricular activities. Contact individual schools for their specific policies.
What are the income limits for the DC Opportunity Scholarship?
New applicants: SNAP recipients OR earning up to 185% FPL ($57,720 for family of four). Continuing students: Up to 300% FPL ($93,600 for family of four).