Center City Public Charter Schools

Located in Washington, DC, the Center City Public Charter Schools’ (Center City PCS) NoMa and Brightwood campuses are oriented around the local communities while building students’ global perspectives. Teachers focus on socially relevant curriculum that not only provides rigorous academics but builds the whole child as well.

Center City PCS’ mission is to empower students for lifelong success by building strong character, promoting academic excellence, and generating public service throughout Washington, DC.

These small community schools move students as a cohort from pre-K through Grade 8. The result is a familial environment where teachers, students, and families build deep and meaningful relationships. With the community model, students stay within their neighborhoods to attend school. Center City PCS campuses have some of the shortest distances that students travel from home to campus among all public schools in the District. Campuses have one grade per class and average a ratio of about 30 teachers per 250 students. This design, along with home visits, student-led conferences, and local service projects, empower schools to fully understand what students and families need to be successful.

At Center City PCS, supporting new teachers as they grow in their career is a top priority. For example, in most classes, you’ll have a bilingual instructor or special education teacher co-teaching right alongside you. Feedback on school culture is encouraged, and teachers often build initiatives from the ground up. The first Wednesday of each month is Wellness Wednesday, a district-wide half school day in which teachers have the opportunity to practice self-care. Teachers use this time to attend personal appointments and commitments.

With your commitment to instilling character, excellence, and service into our students, City Center PCS will support you on your journey as a profound educator for all students.

Student population: NoMa campus

99% Black

Student population: Brightwood campus

57.6% Black
38.3% Hispanic
3% Two or more races
0.8% Asian
0.3% White

Charter initiatives

• New teacher week: Center City PCS knows that new teachers need special supports. This may mean learning the ins and outs of small tasks like using a grade book or simply finding connections with new colleagues. As a group, teachers discuss any challenges and identify additional support that they may need from one another and the administration.
• Project-based learning: This initiative began four years ago and is now integrated into the broader priorities and values of the schools. Project-based instruction relates to Center City PCS core themes of social justice, service, and community.
• Rethinking the grading system: Teachers are learning to move away from one grade determining whether students have mastered a concept. Instead, students must complete multiple projects over time and have multiple opportunities to master a standard before a grade is assigned to them. Professional development days with teachers focus on using data and feedback to better identify where students may be struggling.

Residency site locations

• Center City Brightwood Campus
• Center City NoMa Campus