District of Columbia

Great Public Schools Criteria

Great Public Schools Criteria refers to the seven elements needed for closing the achievement gaps and raising achievement for all students. The seven elements are: (1) readiness to learn, (2) high expectations, (3) quality conditions, (4) qualified staff, (5) accountability, (6) parental involvement, and (7) funding.

Read more below about the Great Public Schools Criteria in the District of Columbia.

Readiness to Learn

Prekindergarten and Head Start. DCPS is one of the few school districts in the country with regular all-day classes for three and four year olds in every building as well as all-day kindergarten.

Full-day Kindergarten. State Policy: The District of Columbia requires all public schools to fully fund full-day kindergarten. Statutes state that children are required to attend kindergarten but not full-day kindergarten specifically. No information is available regarding funding.

Source: Education Commission of the States (ECS) Kindergarten Database, 2007