(Washington, DC) The DC State Education Office, DC Public Schools, the Board of Education Charter Schools, the Public Charter School Board, DC ParentSmart and the Washington Scholarship Fund today announced that for the first time a mailing is being sent to District parents with comprehensive information detailing education resources and public school options.
“This is the first time we’ve formed a collaborative partnership among education organizations to update parents about the many education services, programs and financial assistance available in the District of Columbia.” Interim State Education Officer Deborah Gist said. “This mailing is consistent with the Mayor’s objective of helping parents choose the education that is best for their children, and strengthening the partnership between parents and schools.”
The package contains:
- Services available from DC Public Schools and Public Charter Schools.
- How to receive a $7,500 scholarship to send children to a private/non-public DC school using the Washington Scholarship Fund.
- Information from the State Education Office on financial assistance, a Web-based education resource center and free summer meals for children.
- Help with understanding school choice options from a live telephone hotline with staff from DC ParentSmart.
All youth participating in the program are served meals free of charge, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, family responsibilities, political affiliation, disability, source of income, or place of residence or business.
For further information about programs and services offered by the State Education Office (SEO), visit http://www.seo.dc.gov/ or contact the State Education Office (SEO), 441 4th Street, NW Suite 350N, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 727-6436.
The Washington Scholarship Fund, is a non-profit, 501 ( c )(3) organization committed to expanding and improving educational opportunities in Washington, DC by enabling low income families within the District to have a choice in where they send their children to elementary, middle, and high school. Over the past 11 years, Washington Scholarship Fund has provided $12 million in scholarships to nearly 3,000 students.
DC ParentSmart is a Parent Information and Resource Center devoted to helping parents navigate the public education options available to children. DC ParentSmart is funded by the US Department of Education.