February 19, 2015

Dear CAPCS Parents and Guardians,

This morning, the District of Columbia Public Charter School Board (PCSB), an independent board, voted to revoke the charter for Community Academy Public Charter School (CAPCS). While the vote will undoubtedly cause angst for the 1,600 CAPCS students and their families, the District of Columbia is ready to make sure that the needs of the students are met for the 2015-16 school year.

At the request of Mayor Bowser, I developed a plan in collaboration with Friendship Public Charter Schools, DC Bilingual Public Charter School, and the Chancellor of DC Public Schools to provide as much continuity as possible for CAPCS students and families.

Armstrong Campus (1400 First Street, NW):  Friendship Public Charter School will assume operations beginning next school year (2015-16) for all 523 students.

Nicholson Campus/Online Academy (1351 Nicholson Street, NW):  Friendship Public Charter School will assume operations beginning next school year (2015-16) for all 123 students.

Burdick Campus (1300 Allison Street, NW):  DC Public Schools will assume operations beginning next school year (2015-16) for all 590 students.

Keene Campus (33 Riggs Road, NE):  DC Bilingual Public Charter School will relocate to this site with its 350 students and add up to 90 students from Keene. Students at Keene may also attend Friendship PCS with a guaranteed seat. 

In addition, you may apply to the My School DC lottery by March 2 for any other public charter school or out-of-boundary DCPS school.  Please note that there will be enrollment fairs for Friendship, DC Bilingual, and DCPS (please check DCPS’ and PCSB’s website on Monday). DC Bilingual will hold open houses on February 21 and 28 from 12 pm to 2 pm at 1420 Columbia Road, NW. School enrollment specialists also will be made available for one-on-one meetings with you to help determine the best school for your child.  You may reach them at (202) 328-2660.

In closing, I understand the anxiety that this situation may be causing and my staff and I will work diligently in the coming days and weeks to support your family during this transition.  Your child’s education remains my number one priority.

Sincerely,

Jennie Niles
Deputy Mayor for Education