The District of Columbia Public Schools System (DCPS) is the State Education Agency for special education services and all other federal education programs. DCPS operates under the DC Board of Education , which establishes the policies for the schools, hires and evaluates the Superintendent, and monitors federal grant distribution. Public schools are free to the public, open to all District residents, and financially supported by District tax dollars. Public schools may not discriminate in their admissions process. The DCPS includes primary schools (kindergarten to sixth grade), junior high schools (seventh to eighth grade), and secondary schools (ninth to twelfth grades). The DCPS offers alternative instruction through vocational programs, before and after school programs, and special education programs. The DCPS also offers specialized curricula through highly competitive Magnet schools. Students must attend schools within their ward boundary. To enroll in a public school outside of the boundary assignment, students must follow Out-of-Boundary enrollment procedures.

The Mayor ensures that public schools in the District are held accountable for students' achievements according to the No Child Left Behind Act, which was passed by Congress in 2002. DCPS addresses the problem of low educational performance through school reform including the gains made by Transformation schools, expanding parental options, and improvements in school environment and curricula.

Visit DC School Search  to find a public school in your neighborhood.