Every student with a disability who enrolls in a public school in the District of Columbia, whether DCPS or public charter school, must receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE). This includes special education services and related supports to help students thrive.
Students with disabilities remain eligible for FAPE through the end of the school year in which they turn 22 years of age, unless they are no longer identified as a student with a disability or have received a regular high school diploma. Students with disabilities who earn an Individualized Education Program (IEP) certificate of completion, or any credential other than a regular high school diploma, still qualify for FAPE and may enroll in school.
Support for families navigating school enrollment and the special education process is available through the following resources:
- OSSE Special Education Process Handbook
- OSSE Special Education Performance Reports (SEPR) – Measuring the health of DCPS and PCS special education programs:
- OSSE Guidance Related to Prohibitions on Discrimination Against Children with Disabilities in the Charter School Application During the Enrollment Process
- DC Special Education Hub - Resources for Families