State of D.C. Schools is an annual systemwide overview of public education in the District of Columbia. In school year 2023-24, D.C. showed strong system health with increased public school enrollment and improvement in educator retention. This report looks at the role of school in the lives of D.C. stakeholders, with a focus on learning outcomes, attendance challenges, and more.
Our chart of the week is a quick-read highlight of new or relevant data every week.
The mission of the D.C. Policy Center is to arm decision makers with fact-based, unbiased, and reliable research and analyses to help create a vibrant local economy that can maximize opportunities for residents, workers, and businesses in the District of Columbia. Through objective and rigorous research and collaboration, the D.C. Policy Center develops and tests policy ideas, disseminates its findings, actively promotes policy solutions, and engages in constructive dialogue and debate.
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The work of the D.C. Policy Center is often featured by the media in articles, interviews, and other platforms that highlight our expertise.
To encourage the exchange of new ideas and fresh perspectives, the D.C. Policy Center hosts lectures and roundtables, and our experts regularly participate in events in the community.
Good morning, Chairperson Bonds, and members of the Committee. My name is Emilia Calma, and I am the Director of Research and Policy of the D.C. Policy Center—an independent non-partisan …
As a guest writer for the DC Students Succeed blog, Senior Education Research Analyst Hannah Mason shared insights on the State of D.C. Schools 2023-24 report. She highlighted some of …
Postsecondary planning in D.C. plays a crucial role in helping students develop a clear path for their careers and education after high school. There is no widely agreed-on definition for …
Executive summary The District’s Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) was enacted over 40 years ago, during a time of minimal rental housing construction and widespread condominium conversions, prompting concerns …
In March 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on resolution that would incorrectly treat the D.C. local budget as part of the federal budget. Executive Director Yesim Sayin explains …
D.C.’s increasing teacher retention reflects strong signs of system health. In school year 2023-24, 74 percent of teachers returned to their same school and role — a three-percentage point increase …
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