District of Columbia Public Schools

Headquartered at 1200 First St NE in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) serves as the primary, open public school system for the nation’s capital. Operating within a dynamic large-city setting at the center of the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan area, the district encompasses 117 operational schools designed to meet diverse educational needs. DCPS offers a comprehensive continuum of learning, beginning with early childhood Pre-Kindergarten programs and continuing through 12th grade, alongside dedicated adult education pathways. With an overall enrollment of 52,299 students, the district reflects a richly diverse community, including substantial Black (28,459) and Hispanic (11,619) student populations, as well as White (9,183), multiracial (1,829), Asian (1,050), and Indigenous groups.

To support this vibrant student body, DCPS maintains an extensive organizational infrastructure backed by more than 20,800 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff members. Instructional quality is driven by a robust teaching workforce of over 9,500 full-time equivalent educators, providing an exceptionally low student-to-teacher ratio that supports personalized learning across all grade levels. This instructional core is complemented by more than 1,000 instructional aides and a dedicated support staff of nearly 10,300 personnel, ensuring that schools are well-equipped to handle academic, operational, and student-wellness needs. For parents, students, and educational researchers alike, DCPS stands out as a fully operational urban district committed to delivering broad educational access and strong institutional support across the district.