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DC Education Pathways
at a Glance
Family Quick Reference · 2026 Edition
01 · Graduation
24 credits to graduate
4
English
credits
4
Math
credits
4
Science
credits
4
Social Studies
credits
8
Electives
credits
Plus: at least 2 credits in College/Career Prep (CLCP) courses, and 100 hours of community service for Class of 2026 and beyond.
02 · Academic Pathways
Four ways to earn CLCP credit
AP
Advanced Placement
- College-level, 38+ subjects
- Exam fee ≈ $98
- College credit possible
IB
International Baccalaureate
- Comprehensive 2-yr diploma
- Globally recognized
- Research-focused
CTE
Career & Technical Ed.
- Hands-on career skills
- Free industry certifications
- Healthcare · IT · trades
Free in DC
Dual
Dual Enrollment
- Real college courses in HS
- Direct college credit
- Eligible grades 9–11
03 · Specialized Supports
Every student belongs in every pathway
IEP — Special Education
- 13 federal disability categories
- Specialized instruction
- Related services (therapy, etc.)
504 Plan
- Broader conditions (ADHD, anxiety)
- Accommodations in the classroom
- No specialized instruction
English Learner (EL) Services
- ESL & dual-language programs
- Annual WIDA assessment
- EL students access ALL pathways
D/HH & Blind/Low-Vision
- ASL interpreters · CART
- Braille · large print · screen readers
- Assistive technology
04 · Paying for College
Two key forms — start senior year
Federal · opens Oct 1
FAFSA
- Now only 46 questions
- Available in 11 languages
- Complete it even if college plans are unsure
DC · apply Feb–Aug
DC TAG
- Up to $10,000/yr for public colleges
- Up to $2,500/yr for private & HBCUs
- DC residents, age 26 or younger
Key
Contacts
Contacts
Office of the Ombudsman
202-741-4692
State Board of Education
sboe.dc.gov
OSSE · DCPS
osse.dc.gov · dcps.dc.gov
Full guide at sboe.dc.gov
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