What GAO Found The DC Public Charter School Board (PCSB) uses a multi-step process, including interviews and public hearings, to screen applicants. PCSB also requires applicants to meet several decision criteria (see figure). In the past 5 years PCSB has made a few key changes to the charter school application process.
Changes include requiring that charters fill a demonstrated need and that prospective schools complete a preapplication process. Additionally, PCSB has shifted the application timeline to the fall from the spring. DC Public Charter School Board (PCSB) Application Decision Criteria Note: For more details, see figure 1 in GAO-27-109048 In the last 5 years, two schools applied for new charters and PCSB denied both.
By comparison, in the previous 5 years (2016–2021), PCSB received 30 applications and approved 11. PCSB officials attributed the reduced number of applications to the more rigorous application process.
Changes include requiring that charters fill a demonstrated need and that prospective schools complete a preapplication process. Additionally, PCSB has shifted the application timeline to the fall from the spring.
DC Public Charter School Board (PCSB) Application Decision Criteria Note: For more details, see figure 1 in GAO-27-109048 In the last 5 years, two schools applied for new charters and PCSB denied both. By comparison, in the previous 5 years (2016–2021), PCSB received 30 applications and approved 11.
PCSB officials attributed the reduced number of applications to the more rigorous application process. For the 2026 application cycle, PCSB did not receive any applications. PCSB uses several mechanisms to monitor charter schools’ academic performance and compliance with applicable legal requirements.
In 2024 PCSB introduced the Annual School Performance Index Report and Evaluation (ASPIRE) system, which is intended to improve accountability for schools’ success and student development. PCSB also uses ASPIRE to determine which schools need additional monitoring or support.