Thirty-five plain-language answers to the questions DC families actually ask, about graduation, lottery, special ed, financial aid, and what to do when something at school isn't working.
If you only have five minutes before your next school meeting, scan the six topic rows below. Each one points to the page where the relevant questions live.
What are the graduation requirements for DC high schools?
Twenty-four Carnegie credits: English (4), Math (4), Science (4), Social Studies (4), Electives (8). At least 2 credits must be College-Level or Career-Prep through AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, or CTE. Plus 100 hours of community service.
What's the difference between DCPS and charter schools?
Both are free, public, and held to the same state standards. DCPS schools are run by the district. Charters are run by independent boards. Most are entered through the My School DC lottery.
What is CTE and what careers can my child prepare for?
Career & Technical Education provides hands-on training in healthcare, IT, construction, hospitality, and business. Students earn free industry certifications. CTE counts toward the CLCP graduation requirement.
How many community-service hours are required?
100 hours, earned at any point in high school. Many students start in 9th grade so the requirement spreads across all four years.
What if my child is struggling academically?
Don't wait. Talk to the teacher and counselor immediately. Ask about credit recovery, tutoring, summer school, and alternative pathways. Early action means more options.
What is Dual Enrollment, and is it really free?
Yes, free. Dual Enrollment lets high-schoolers take real college courses for both HS and college credit. DCPS pays the tuition. Available grades 9–11.
Can my child take AP classes even with lower grades?
Yes. Every student has the right to access AP, IB, CTE, and Dual Enrollment regardless of previous grades or test scores. If denied, contact the Ombudsman at 202-741-4692.
What's the difference between AP and IB?
AP offers flexibility: take courses in the subjects you choose. IB is a full two-year diploma program with required courses, an Extended Essay, and CAS hours. Both are rigorous and college-recognized.
What is the Advanced Technical Center (ATC)?
DCPS's premier CTE program. Students attend their home school and travel to ATC for career-focused instruction. Free industry certifications in construction, healthcare, IT, and more.
Can I switch programs once I'm enrolled?
Usually yes. Talk to your counselor about course-change windows and credit implications. Some specialized programs only accept new students at certain grade levels.
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan?
An IEP (under IDEA) provides specialized instruction plus services. A 504 Plan provides accommodations only for any disability that limits a major life activity. A student has one or the other, never both.
How do I request a special-education evaluation?
Put it in writing to the principal and SpEd coordinator: "I formally request a comprehensive special-education evaluation for [child's name]." The 120-day clock starts.
Who do I call if I'm having problems with my child's school?
Office of the Ombudsman: 202-741-4692. Free help resolving any school issue. For SpEd specifically, also contact Advocates for Justice and Education at 202-678-8060.
Can I bring an advocate to IEP meetings?
Yes. Federal law guarantees your right to bring an advocate, attorney, or support person to any IEP or 504 meeting. Free advocates are available through Advocates for Justice and Education.
What if my child has an IEP and we move schools?
The IEP transfers with your child. Request a transfer meeting with the receiving school to ensure services continue without interruption. Keep copies of all IEP documents.
How do I apply to a DC public or charter school?
Use the My School DC lottery at myschooldc.org. The ranking deadline is in early March. Rank up to 12 schools. Results come out in late March.
How does the lottery work?
Each applicant gets a random lottery number. The system matches each student to their highest-ranked school with available space. Siblings and in-boundary students often get priority.
What if I don't get into my first choice?
You'll be matched to your highest-ranked school with space, and automatically waitlisted at higher-ranked schools. Waitlists move throughout the summer and into the school year.
What is a "feeder" school?
Feeder patterns determine which middle school each elementary feeds into, and which high school each middle school feeds into. Feeder enrollment is guaranteed; no lottery needed.
Do I need to reapply every year?
No. Once enrolled, you stay at the same school until you choose to transfer or move to a new school level (elementary → middle → high).
What is FAFSA and why do I need to fill it out?
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is required for federal grants, loans, work-study, AND DC TAG. Even if you think you won't qualify, fill it out. Many families are surprised by what they receive.
When does FAFSA open and what's the deadline?
FAFSA opens October 1 each year. There's no federal deadline, but file early; some aid is first-come, first-served. State and college deadlines vary.
What changed with the new FAFSA?
Reduced from 108 to 46 questions. Tax info pulled directly from the IRS. Student Aid Index (SAI) replaces EFC. Available in 11 languages.
What's the difference between grants, scholarships, and loans?
Grants and scholarships are free money: you don't pay them back. Loans must be repaid with interest. Always maximize grants and scholarships before taking loans.
What is the Pell Grant?
Federal money for students with financial need; you don't pay it back. Maximum is around $7,400/year. Automatically considered when you file FAFSA.
Should I accept student loans?
Federal subsidized loans (no interest while in school) are best if you need to borrow. Compare federal vs. private terms. Borrow only what you need.
How do I find scholarships?
DC-CAP (dccap.org), your high school counselor, the colleges you're applying to, local community organizations, your parent's employer, and Fastweb.com. Never pay to apply for scholarships.
What is "net cost" and why does it matter?
Net cost = Total Cost − Grants/Scholarships. This is what you actually pay. A $60K school with $50K in grants costs less than a $30K school with $10K in grants. Always compare net costs.
What is DC TAG and how much money can I get?
DC Tuition Assistance Grant: up to $10,000/year at public universities anywhere in the U.S., or $2,500/year at private HBCUs and DC-area private colleges. Lifetime max is $50,000.
Who is eligible for DC TAG?
A DC resident for 12+ consecutive months before college, age 26 or younger, HS graduate or GED holder (graduated 2010 or later), accepted to an eligible college, with FAFSA completed.
How do I apply for DC TAG?
Apply at osse.dc.gov/dctag. Opens early February each year, deadline August 15. Complete FAFSA first. Renew every year you're in college.
What does DC TAG cover, and what doesn't it?
DC TAG covers the gap between in-state and out-of-state tuition at public universities. It does NOT cover room & board, books, fees, or meal plans. Budget separately for those.
Can undocumented students get financial aid?
Undocumented students cannot receive federal aid (FAFSA), but can receive DC in-state tuition at public colleges, DC state financial aid, and private scholarships such as TheDream.US (up to $80,000).
Can I appeal my financial aid offer?
Yes. If your family's circumstances change or you have competing offers, contact the financial-aid office. Write a professional letter explaining your situation. Many schools reconsider.
What is DC-CAP and how can they help?
DC College Access Program provides free help with applications, financial aid, and scholarships, plus last-dollar grants. Call 202-783-7933 or visit dccap.org.