Graduation requirements, academic pathways, specialized supports, and college & career readiness — written for the families who navigate the DC system every day.
DC has a unique governance structure. Knowing who does what tells you exactly where to bring questions, concerns, and ideas.
Whether your child attends a traditional DCPS school or a public charter school, this guide will help you make informed decisions. Both are free, both follow the same standards — but the people responsible for each are different, and so are the channels for influence.
All DC students — DCPS or charter — must meet the same graduation requirements set by the State Board of Education. The pathways and supports in this guide apply to all public school students in DC.
| School type | Governance | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| DCPS schools | DC Public Schools | Traditional neighborhood schools, magnet programs, and specialized academies |
| Public charter schools | Independent boards | Publicly funded, independently operated, lottery admission |
| Alternative schools | DCPS or charter | Flexible schedules, credit recovery, specialized support |
Both DCPS and public charter schools are FREE to attend, open to all DC residents, and must follow the same state standards and graduation requirements.
Twenty-four Carnegie units, two CLCP credits, one hundred service hours. The numbers behind every DC diploma — and how to track them.
Graduation requirements are the foundation of every student's educational journey. Understanding them early helps families plan ahead and keep students on track.
All DC students must earn 24 Carnegie units to graduate with a standard diploma. One Carnegie unit equals one year of study in a subject.
CLCP courses can be AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, or CTE. Good news: they count toward both your subject requirements and your CCR requirement — you don't need extra credits.
| Graduating class | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Class of 2025 | 75 hours |
| Class of 2026 and beyond | 100 hours |
Community service can be completed at any point during high school. Many students begin in 9th grade to spread out the hours.
DC offers multiple pathways to graduation for students with disabilities.
Students with IEPs can earn the same standard diploma as all students by completing the 24-credit requirement with appropriate accommodations and supports.
24 credits focused on functional skills and transition services. Appropriate for students whose IEP teams determine this pathway best meets their needs. Focuses on life skills, employment readiness, and independent living.
For students with significant intellectual disabilities. Based on mastery of IEP goals rather than Carnegie units. Includes transition planning and life skills.
Students who earn a certificate may face different options for higher education and employment. Discuss all pathways with the IEP team to make informed decisions. Students can continue services through age 21 or graduation.
| Grade | Target credits | Your credits | On track? |
|---|---|---|---|
| End of 9th grade | 6 credits | — | ☐ Yes ☐ No |
| End of 10th grade | 12 credits | — | ☐ Yes ☐ No |
| End of 11th grade | 18 credits | — | ☐ Yes ☐ No |
| End of 12th grade | 24 credits | — | ☐ Yes ☐ No |
Don't wait until senior year to discover gaps. Ask your school counselor for an updated transcript at least once per semester.
AP, IB, CTE, Dual Enrollment — four very different ways to fulfill the same CLCP requirement. Pick what fits your student.
DC offers multiple academic pathways to help students prepare for college and careers. Understanding these options helps families choose the best fit for their student's interests and goals.
Advanced Placement courses are college-level classes offered in high school. Students take an AP exam at year's end, and a passing score (3–5) can earn college credit at many universities.
AP is for any student who wants an academic challenge. You don't need to be in a "gifted" program. If you're curious about a subject and willing to work hard, AP might be right for you.
The IB is a comprehensive, internationally recognized program. Students can pursue the full IB Diploma or take individual IB courses.
AP offers flexibility — take as many or few courses as you want. IB Diploma is a comprehensive program requiring commitment to the full curriculum. Both are rigorous. Many students take a mix.
CTE provides hands-on learning in specific career fields. Students gain academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for the workforce or continued education.
| Career cluster | Example pathways | Potential certifications |
|---|---|---|
| Health Sciences | Nursing, medical assisting | CNA, Phlebotomy |
| Information Technology | Cybersecurity, programming | CompTIA, Cisco |
| Business & Finance | Accounting, marketing | Microsoft Office Specialist |
| Construction & Trades | Electrical, HVAC, carpentry | OSHA, industry certifications |
| Hospitality & Culinary | Culinary arts, hotel management | ServSafe, ProStart |
ATC is DCPS's premier CTE program, offering specialized training in high-demand fields. Students attend their home school and travel to ATC for career-focused instruction.
Dual Enrollment lets high school students take college courses and earn both high school and college credit simultaneously.
DCPS funds dual enrollment through partnerships with local colleges. Students pay no tuition. This is a significant benefit that many families don't know about.
| Feature | AP | IB | CTE | Dual Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost to student | $98/exam | Varies | FREE | FREE |
| College credit | With passing exam | With passing exam | Some programs | Direct credit |
| Format | Year-long course | 2-year program | Multi-year pathway | Semester courses |
| Best for | Subject deep-dive | Comprehensive prep | Career focus | College experience |
| GPA weight | Yes | Yes | Varies | Weighted as AP |
Schools cannot deny access based on informal criteria, regardless of previous grades or test scores. If you encounter barriers, contact your school counselor or the Office of the Ombudsman.
IEPs, 504 plans, EL services, and more. Knowing what you're entitled to is the first step toward getting it.
DC schools provide a range of supports to help every student succeed. This section explains services for students with disabilities, English learners, and students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing or Blind/Low-Vision.
| Feature | IEP | Section 504 Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Legal basis | IDEA | Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act |
| Eligibility | 13 disability categories + adverse impact on education | Any impairment limiting a major life activity |
| Services | Specialized instruction + related services | Accommodations to access general curriculum |
| Examples | Autism, learning disability, emotional disability | ADHD, anxiety, asthma, food allergies |
| Annual meeting | Required IEP meeting | 504 team meeting |
| Can you have both? | No — IEP supersedes 504. Student has one, not both. | |
Extended time on tests, preferential seating, breaks during instruction, modified homework load, use of technology, separate testing location, copies of notes, check-ins with counselor.
Parent, teacher, or school identifies a concern.
Comprehensive assessment using multiple data sources.
Team determines if student qualifies under IDEA.
Goals, services, and accommodations are written.
School provides services as written.
IEP is reviewed and updated each year.
English Learners take the WIDA ACCESS test each spring to measure growth. Services continue until students reach "proficient" status.
Being an English Learner does NOT limit your access to AP, IB, dual enrollment, or CTE programs. EL students have the right to participate with appropriate supports.
| Accommodation type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Timing / scheduling | Extended time, breaks, multiple sessions |
| Setting | Separate room, small group, reduced distractions |
| Presentation | Large print, Braille, audio, sign language |
| Response | Scribe, speech-to-text, calculator |
| EL-specific | Word-to-word dictionary, translated directions |
Postsecondary options, FAFSA, DC TAG, and pathways for undocumented students. The roadmap from high school to "what's next."
After meeting graduation requirements and exploring academic pathways, students are ready to plan for life after high school. This section covers postsecondary options and how to pay for them.
| What changed | What it means for families |
|---|---|
| Shorter form | Reduced from 108 to 46 questions |
| IRS data exchange | Tax info pulled automatically from IRS |
| Student Aid Index (SAI) | Replaces EFC; can be negative, increasing aid |
| Siblings in college | No longer reduces individual aid |
| More schools listed | Up to 20 schools (from 10) |
| More languages | Available in 11 languages |
Some aid is first-come, first-served. DC students should complete FAFSA even if attending community college or unsure about plans.
| Institution type | Annual award | Lifetime maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Public universities (in or out of state) | Up to $10,000 | $50,000 |
| Private HBCUs | Up to $2,500 | $12,500 |
| DC-area private colleges | Up to $2,500 | $12,500 |
DC TAG covers the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at public universities. It does NOT cover room, board, books, or fees. Still complete FAFSA and apply for additional scholarships.
If your family's immigration status affects college planning, there are pathways. You have options.
You are your child's best advocate. Here are the tools, scripts, and escalation paths to make that work in DC.
Email or letter — never just verbal.
The principal AND the special education coordinator.
"I am requesting a comprehensive special education evaluation for [student name]."
Be specific. Academic struggles, attention issues, social challenges — name what you're seeing.
Document all communications. The school must respond within 10 school days.
Talk to the teacher first. Request a meeting with the counselor or administrator. Document all communications.
Contact the principal in writing. Request a formal meeting. Bring documentation.
Office of the Ombudsman: 202-741-4692 · OSSE: 202-727-6436 · Advocates for Justice and Education: 202-678-8060
Plain-language definitions for every acronym, term, and phrase that appears in this guide.
Every agency, advocate, and helpline that supports DC families — organized by what you need help with.
They can help you navigate any education concern and connect you with the right resources, free of charge.
D.C. State Board of Education · sboe.dc.gov · 202-741-0888