DC State Board of Education Side-by-side comparisons

DC Education
Comparison Charts

Three at-a-glance side-by-side comparisons to help you choose between academic pathways, special education plans, and types of DC schools.

English Edition3 charts · 2026
Chart 1 · Academic pathways

AP vs. IB vs. CTE vs. Dual Enrollment

Each pathway can earn College & Career Prep credit. The right one depends on your student's interests, time commitment, and goals.

Feature
AP
Advanced Placement
IB
Int'l Baccalaureate
CTE
Career & Technical
Dual
Dual Enrollment
What is it?
College-level courses in HS
Comprehensive 2-year program
Career-focused hands-on learning
Actual college courses
Cost
~$98/exam (waivers avail.)
Exam fees apply
FREE certifications
FREE in DC
College credit?
Score 3+ on exam
Varies by college
Some articulation agreements
Yes — guaranteed credits
Who is it for?
Academically motivated students
Students wanting rigor
Students with career interests
Self-motivated students
Time commitment
1 course / year
Full 2-year program
Multi-year pathway
1–2 courses / semester
Available at
Most DC high schools
Banneker · Eastern
Many DC high schools
All DCPS high schools
Counts for CLCP?
Yes
Yes
Pathway courses
Yes
Best for
Testing specific subjects
Complete academic experience
Career preparation
Getting ahead on credits
Key insight

Students can combine pathways. Take AP courses alongside CTE, or combine Dual Enrollment with IB. Every student has the right to access these programs regardless of previous grades or test scores.

Chart 2 · Special education

IEP vs. 504 Plan

Both protect your child, but they serve different purposes — one provides specialized instruction, the other provides classroom accommodations.

Feature
IEP
Individualized Ed Program
504 Plan
Section 504
Governing law
IDEA — Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Purpose
Specialized instruction and related services
Accommodations for equal access
Who qualifies
Students in 1 of 13 disability categories that affects education
Students with any disability affecting a major life activity
Written plan?
Yes — detailed legal document
Yes — less detailed
Specialized instruction?
Yes — specially designed
No — general ed with accommodations
Related services?
Yes (speech, OT, PT, counseling)
No — only accommodations
Reevaluation
Every 3 years minimum
Periodically (varies)
Parent rights
Extensive due process
Fewer procedural protections
Transition planning
Required by age 16
Not required
Common examples
Autism · Learning Disabilities · Emotional Disturbance · Intellectual Disability
ADHD · Anxiety · Diabetes · Allergies · Chronic health conditions
Can a student have both?
If eligible for IEP, the IEP applies (it includes 504 protections)
Only if not eligible for IEP
Not sure which your child needs?

Start by requesting an evaluation in writing. The team will determine eligibility. Questions? Office of the Ombudsman: 202-741-4692 · Advocates for Justice and Education: 202-678-8060.

Chart 3 · Types of DC schools

DCPS vs. Public Charter vs. Private

DCPS and public charter schools are both free public schools that follow the same state graduation requirements. Private schools set their own standards.

Feature
DCPS
DC Public Schools
Charter
Public Charter
Private
Independent
Cost to attend
FREE
FREE
Tuition (varies)
Who runs it
DC Public Schools (city)
Independent board
Private organization
Open to all?
Yes — boundary or lottery
Yes — lottery
Selective admission
Follows state standards?
Yes
Yes
No — own curriculum
Same graduation req?
Yes
Yes
May differ
How to apply
My School DC lottery or boundary
My School DC lottery
Direct to school
Special ed services?
Required
Required
Varies widely
Transportation
Bus / Metro
Varies by school
Usually not provided
Oversight
DCPS Central Office
DC PCSB
Accrediting bodies
Teacher certification
Required
Required
May vary
Example schools
Jackson-Reed · Dunbar · Banneker
KIPP · Achievement Prep · Friendship
Sidwell · Maret · Georgetown Day
Apply through one place

Apply to most DC public schools through My School DC: myschooldc.org (Deadline: February 1). One application covers DCPS and most public charter schools.