DC Scholars Public Charter School
DC Scholars Public Charter School was founded in 2012 and serves approximately 500 students in Preschool – 8th grade. DC Scholars develops life-long scholars who have the academic knowledge and skills, individual passions, and community-mindedness necessary to succeed in and contribute to an ever-changing world. Located in the Ward 7 community of Washington, DC, less than 5 miles from the U.S. Capitol, DC Scholars is committed to being a school of choice for the surrounding community.
We have a rigorous, well-rounded academic program. As an EL Education School, scholars engage in multi-disciplinary, domain-based learning. English Language Arts modules include engaging topics such as Adaptations and the Wide World of Frogs (3rd grade), Stories of Human Rights (5th grade), and Working Conditions Then and Now (7th grade). At the end of each module, students complete performance tasks and have the opportunity to share their work with their peers. In math, students develop conceptual understanding and mathematical fluency as they apply their learning in real-world mathematical tasks. Finally, our science program blends hands-on investigations, literacy-rich activities, and interactive digital tools to empower students to think, read, write, and argue like real scientists.
As a PS-8 school, we have the opportunity to work with families from their first school experience through the high school selection process. DC Scholars puts students on a PATH to high school and college by instilling the values of being prepared, attentive, thoughtful, and hardworking. We offer daily socio-emotional learning lessons, a Path to High School course for 7th and 8th graders, and leadership opportunities. Each quarter, grade bands engage in Community Meeting and Honor Roll celebrations to celebrate community and individual achievements.
DC Scholars is committed to accelerating the learning of students furthest from opportunity. We offer after high-dosage tutoring, Saturday programming, and research-based intervention programs.
A true scholar excels in areas outside of core academics. DC Scholars is committed to expanding our offerings of extracurricular programming. We invite our staff and outside partners to lead clubs and sports. We currently offer athletics, chess, student government, and cosmetology.
DC Scholars invests in teacher and leader development. In 2023, DC Scholars exceeded the national benchmark in all domains of the National Teacher Insight Survey, demonstrating that teachers believe DCS is a great place to work and grow.
Student population
95% Black
4% Multiple/Other
1% Hispanic
<1% Asian
School initiatives
DC Scholars thinks outside of the box to achieve student outcomes. We have three strategic initiatives:
- Modernize and expand our program offerings, including electives, extracurriculars, and social studies.
- Build a talent pipeline and develop the next generation of teachers and leaders.
- Accelerate student learning through flexible scheduling, high-dosage tutoring, and research-based intervention.
The details
- There are two degree options available at this location:
- 34-credit master of arts in teaching in Inclusive Childhood Education: a dual degree in Childhood Education, Grades 1-6, and Students With Disabilities, Pre-K-Grade 12 (all grades)
- 30-credit master of arts in teaching in Secondary Education (Grades 7-12)
- Meet online with NYU Steinhardt faculty and peers twice per week in the evening for your course work ~15 hours/week
- ~40 hours/week in classroom residency at partner location
- 2 year commitment post residency required
- Tuition subsidy and stipend or wage from partner school
- Full-day cost details
As a teacher resident, you’ll teach and learn in your content area. Right away, you will have responsibility for leading student intervention groups as you work alongside another teacher and gain more responsibility throughout the year. You also may be asked to substitute teach later in the year. Every teacher at DC Scholars receives personalized, high-quality professional development, including weekly intellectual preparation/PLCs meetings, coaching meetings, content area professional development, and observation-feedback cycles.
During residency year
Estimated Stipend
$45,000
Health Insurance
Medical/Dental/Vision – 80% Employer paid
Start Date
July 29, 2025
After residency year
Job After Graduation
After successful completion of the program, you will have a job waiting for you as a teacher at DC Scholars. In exchange for providing a master’s subsidy and funding to offset your living expenses during your residency year, DC Scholars requires you to commit to teaching there for at least two years after earning your degree.
Estimated Starting Salary with Master’s Degree
$65,500 (GenEd)
$66,875 (SpEd)
The figures above are estimates provided by our partners for informational and planning purposes only. NYU Steinhardt does not guarantee these amounts.