OSSE's Division of Student Transportation
OSSE’s DOT provides safe, reliable, and efficient transportation services that positively support learning opportunities for eligible students from the District of Columbia. The Parent Resource Center communicates with families of students with disabilities receiving transportation services in the District of Columbia and nonpublic placements.
For immediate assistance related to student transportation services, call the Parent Resource Center at (202) 576-5000 Monday-Friday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Learn more at https://osse.dc.gov/service/student-transportation.
Kids Ride Free
- Through the Kids Ride Free program, students can get to and from school and school-related activities for free on Metrobus and Metrorail. Students must use their Kids Ride Free SmarTrip cards.
- Students who have a Kids Ride Free SmarTrip card from last year will be able to use the card this school year until September 30, 2024.
- Need a new card? Your school will share details on how to pick up your new card! Families can also contact their School ID Administrator or DDOT’s School Transit Subsidy Program Office at (202) 673-1740.
Learn more: kidsridefree.dc.gov
My School DC is the common application and public school lottery for public and public charter schools in the District that serve pre-K 3 through grade 12.
Families can apply to up to 12 public schools using one application and participate in a single, random lottery. My School DC will host two EdFEST events – annual public school fairs for families to learn more about the District’s public school options.
Key Dates for the 2025-26 School year Lottery
- Dec. 7, 2024 | EdFEST (Grades 9-12) at Eastern High School
- Dec. 14, 2024 | EdFEST (PK3-Grad 8) at DC Armory
- Dec. 16, 2024 | Lottery application opens
- Feb. 3, 2025 | Application deadline (Grades 9-12)
- March 3, 2025 | Application deadlien (PK3-Grade 8)
- April 26, 2025 | Enrollment Saturday
- May 1, 2025 | Enrollment deadline for matched students
Learn more at myschooldc.org.
My Child Care DC
Families can use My Child Care DC to explore, compare and connect with licensed child development facilities in the District, including before and after care programs. It’s free to use and available in multiple languages. Learn more at https://mychildcare.dc.gov/
DC Child Care Connections
DC Child Care Connections is the District’s child care resource and referral agency provides resources for families to support their children’s development, including how to find and pay for child care and out-of-school time programs. Families can contact DC Child Care Connections at [email protected] or (202) 829-2500. Learn more at https://dcchildcareconnections.org/
Child Care Subsidies
Subsidies are available for eligible low-income families to help cover the costs of child care, including out-of-school-time care for children through age 12. Learn more at bit.ly/payforchildcare
Strong Start
Strong Start is the early intervention program in DC administered through the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Strong Start works with DC families, child care providers and medical professionals to identify children younger than the age of 3 who have, or at the risk of having, developmental disabilities or delays. Learn more at https://bit.ly/OSSEStrongStart.
High-Impact Tutoring
High-impact tutoring (HIT) is one of the most effective interventions to accelerate learning for kindergarten through 12th grade students in need of additional supports, and particularly for those students who are economically disadvantaged. OSSE provides evidence-based HIT services to students across the District during the 2024-25 school year, with a focus on those students who are furthest from opportunity. HIT is available at no-cost, in small groups or one-on-one, to students who are struggling in core academic subjects. Students are identified for high-impact tutoring directly through their schools. Learn more at bit.ly/OSSEHigh-ImpactTutoring.
DC ReEngagement Center (REC)
The DC ReEngagement Center (REC) helps youth ages 16-24 who are not enrolled in school to reconnect to educational options and services to support their attainment of a high school diploma or GED. For more information, including for District residents of all ages who want to get back on track with their plans to pursue a secondary education credential and a career pathway, visit https://backontrackdc.osse.dc.gov/.
Social Emotional Standards
The first-ever district-wide, K-adult social and emotional learning (SEL) standards for all DCPS and public charter schools will be implemented during the 2024-25 school year. The SEL standards aim to develop crucial skills that enable students to acquire and apply knowledge and attitudes necessary for developing a healthy identity, managing emotions, achieving personal and collective goals, showing empathy toward others, building and maintaining supportive relationships, and making responsible and caring decisions. Learn more at osse.dc.gov/page/social-emotional-learning.
Financial Literacy Standards
The new financial literacy standards were developed by OSSE and are intended to be implemented as a standalone, elective course for high school students across the District. These standards include important financial knowledge and skills, including how individual financial circumstances are influenced by personal decisions and systemic factors. These standards will be implemented beginning in school year 2024-25. The standards include knowledge and skills standards across five content sections: Earning Income, Saving and Investing, Spending, Credit and Managing Risk. Learn more at osse.dc.gov/page/financial-literacy-standards.
Advanced Technical Center
- An open-enrollment center where students can participate in CTE programs while remaining at their high school.
- Students have access to college credits, industry credentials, and paid internship opportunities at no cost.
- Programs are career pathways to high skill, high wage, and high demand fields.
- Who is Eligible: Students entering 9th, 10th, and 11th grades in DCPS and public charter high schools.
- How to Apply: Speak with your school counselor for more information.
Share Your Feedback on High School Graduation Requirements
OSSE’s Reimagining High School Graduation Requirements initiative aims to develop an inaugural DC-wide Graduate Profile and to identify new high school graduation requirements that incorporate outcome measures and support innovative approaches to preparing young people for life after graduation. This fall, OSSE is soliciting feedback on the District’s current high school graduation requirements and the development of a DC-wide Graduate Profile as part of the initiative. Please provide your comments via this form.
OSSE will also hold public feedback sessions to hear directly from community members regarding the DC-wide Graduate Profile and Graduation Requirements. If you are interested in participating, please sign-up below.
- Public Feedback Session for General Public | Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 – 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. - Register Here
Advanced Internship Program (AIP)
OSSE’s Advanced Internship Program (AIP) is an opportunity for Career and Technical Education (CTE) students to participate in paid and credit-bearing internships aligned with their CTE program of study during the school year. Through AIP, students can gain valuable real-world work experience, receive professional mentorship, and are supported to develop transferable workplace skills. Interns work 8-12 hours a week and are paid for their time and commitment. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/OSSEAIP.
Fall College and Career Readiness Programs
It’s never to early to plan for what comes after high school, whether you’re entering college, a trade, the workforce, or the military! OSSE provides resources for students and families as well as college and career counselors here: osse.dc.gov/page/college-and-career-resources-students-and-families.
Dual Enrollment
OSSE’s Dual Enrollment Program allows eligible high schoolers to take college courses and develop habits to set them up for academic success after high school. Students earn college credits at one of twelve local colleges and universities. Students at DCPS and public charter high schools are eligible. For application information & GPA requirements, visit https://osse.dc.gov/page/osse-dual-enrollment-opportunities.
The Office of the State Superintendent (OSSE) manages a wide range of financial assistance programs for District students interested in attending college:
DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DC TAG)
DCTAG pays the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition, up to $10,000 at public colleges and $2,500 at private colleges and HCBUs.
- Grants are transferrable to 350+ colleges nationwide.
- Who is Eligible: Graduating high school seniors and current college students.
- Award Amount: Up to $50,000 in tuition aid at public colleges and up to $12,500 at private colleges and HCBUs over six years.
For more information: Complete the OneApp at https://dconeapp.dc.gov/
Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program
The Mayor’s Scholars Program was created to provide last-dollar support to District students attending area colleges and universities.
- Who is Eligible: Graduating high school seniors and current college students.
- Award Amount: Up to $4,000 per year.
For more information: scholarships.osse.dc.gov/login.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- The FAFSA links eligible students with federal tuition aid for college.
- Filling out the FAFSA is free, so don’t leave money on the table!
- The 2024-25 FAFSA is now open.
- Completing the FAFSA is an important step in helping all students get ready and help pay for college.
For more information: studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid.