DC SBOE

Make the call. Comparison Charts.

Three side-by-side comparisons for the choices DC families weigh most often: which academic pathway, IEP vs. 504, and DCPS vs. charter vs. private schools.

Published By DC State Board of Education
DC Comparison ChartsFamily Resource Library
Side-by-side decisions

Three comparisons, one tool.

Use these tables to talk through trade-offs as a family. Print them, mark them up, bring them to the next meeting with your counselor or IEP team.

A right, not a privilege Every DC student has the right to access Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, CTE, and Dual Enrollment, regardless of previous grades. If a school refuses, call the Ombudsman at 202-741-4692.
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Chart 1 · Academic pathwaysChoosing a pathway
Chart 1

AP · IB · CTE · Dual Enrollment.

Each pathway counts toward CLCP graduation credit and is open to any DC student. Pick the one you'll actually do the work in, fit beats prestige.

Feature
Advanced Placement
International Baccalaureate
Career & Technical Education
Dual Enrollment
What it is
College-level courses in high school, by subject.
Coordinated two-year diploma program with HL / SL exams.
Hands-on career strands with industry certifications.
Real college courses on a real college transcript.
Cost
~$98 per exam (waivers available).
IB exam fees apply.
Free industry certifications.
Free in DC.
College credit
Score 3+ at most colleges.
HL 4+ at many colleges; varies.
Some articulation agreements; varies.
Yes, direct transcript credit.
Who it's for
Students who want depth in one or two subjects.
Students who want a writing-heavy coordinated program.
Students with a clear career interest.
Students ready for actual college work.
Time commitment
1 course per year, per subject.
Full 2-year diploma program.
Multi-year program of study.
1–2 courses per semester.
Available at
Most DCPS & charter high schools.
A handful of IB World Schools (DCI, BASIS, others).
Advanced Tech Center, McKinley, Phelps, Roosevelt, Cardozo.
UDC, GW, Trinity, partner colleges.
Counts for CLCP
Yes
Yes
Yes (state-approved CTE)
Yes
Pathways combine Students can mix pathways: AP plus CTE, or Dual Enrollment alongside IB. Two CLCP credits unlock the diploma, but additional pathway courses make the college application stronger. Talk to the counselor about a four-year plan in 10th grade.
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Chart 2 · Special-ed frameworksIEP vs. 504
Chart 2

IEP vs. 504 plan.

Two frameworks. One question: does the student need specialized instruction, or accommodations to access the general curriculum?

Feature
IEP, Individualized Education Program
504 plan, Section 504
Federal law
IDEA · Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Purpose
Specialized instruction and services.
Accommodations to access the general curriculum.
Eligibility
One of 13 IDEA disability categories and adverse impact on education.
Any disability that substantially limits a major life activity.
Specialized instruction
Yes. Specially designed instruction.
No. General education with accommodations only.
Related services
Yes, speech, OT, PT, counseling, transportation, etc.
No, accommodations only.
Reevaluation
Every 3 years minimum; annual IEP meeting.
Periodically, DC standard is yearly.
Parent rights
Extensive due-process rights and prior written notice.
Fewer procedural protections.
Transition planning
Required by age 16 (DC begins planning at 14).
Not required.
Common examples
Autism, learning disability, emotional disturbance, intellectual disability.
ADHD, anxiety, diabetes, food allergies, chronic health conditions.
Both at once?
No. The IEP supersedes a 504. A student has an IEP or a 504, never both.
Not sure which fits? Request an evaluation in writing. Email the principal and the school's SpEd coordinator: "I formally request a comprehensive special-education evaluation for [Student Name]." The 120-day clock starts. The team will determine eligibility.
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Chart 3 · School typesChoosing a school
Chart 3

DCPS · charter · private.

DCPS and public charters are both free, follow the same state standards, and meet the same graduation requirements. Private schools are an alternative path with their own rules.

Feature
DCPS, traditional public
Public charter
Private
Cost to attend
Free
Free
Tuition (varies, often $30K–$50K/yr).
Who runs it
DC Public Schools, Chancellor reports to the Mayor.
Independent nonprofit board, authorized by PCSB.
Private organization or religious body.
Open to all DC
Yes, by-right seat or My School DC lottery.
Yes, every seat through My School DC lottery.
Selective admission; their own application.
Same state standards
Yes
Yes
No, own curriculum.
Same diploma rule (24 cr)
Yes
Yes
May differ.
Special-ed services
Required by IDEA.
Required by IDEA.
Varies widely; not all accept IEPs.
Transportation
DCPS bus on some routes; Metro for older students.
Varies by school.
Usually not provided.
Oversight
DCPS Central Office; OSSE for state compliance.
DC Public Charter School Board (PCSB).
Accrediting bodies; not DC-accountable.
Example schools
Jackson-Reed, Dunbar, Banneker, School Without Walls.
KIPP, BASIS, Washington Latin, Friendship, EW Stokes.
Sidwell, Maret, Georgetown Day, GDS.
Apply through one place My School DC at myschooldc.org · 202-888-6336 is the single application for almost every DC public seat, out-of-boundary DCPS plus every charter. The lottery opens in December and ranking closes early March. Private schools have their own deadlines, usually January.
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