Youth and families can find key resources related to student attendance below. For a complete list of resources addressing related topics like homelessness, mental health, nutrition, language access and other critical topics, please visit the State Board of Education’s Education and Community Resources page at sboe.dc.gov/page/resource
Program Partners
ACCESS Youth
ACCESS Youth provides a range of programs and services for at-risk juveniles. Developing skills and fostering friendships, ACCESS Youth combines the benefits of mentorship and mediation in dynamic and engaging summer and after school programs.
www.accessyouthinc.org/
(202) 652-0287
Attendance Works
Attendance Works is a national and state initiative that promotes better policy and practice around school attendance. We promote tracking chronic absence data for each student beginning in kindergarten, or ideally earlier, and partnering with families and community agencies to intervene when poor attendance is a problem for students or schools.
Communities in Schools
Communities In Schools works hand in hand with schools, communities and families to surround our students with a caring network of support to help them stay in school and succeed in life. A full-time CIS site coordinator in each school is a central point of contact for administrators, teachers, parents, and students; and creates partnerships to bring community services and volunteers into the school.
Show Up, Stand Out
Show Up, Stand Out is a free program to help parents get their children to school every day. One of the most important things you can give your child is a chance for a great education. We know that it isn’t always easy. Show Up, Stand Out has partners working with over 50 elementary and middle schools in D.C. and is striving to help more than 4,000 students this year.
(202) 727-1700
Transportation
Kids Ride Free
The School Transit Subsidy Program offers free or reduced fares for District students who use Metrobus, the DC Circulator, or Metrorail to travel to and from school and school-related activities. The program is available to students enrolled in DC public, public charter, and private schools. The program relies on an electronic pass that is loaded onto a student’s DC One Card.
Legal & Advocacy
Children’s Law Center
Nonprofit corporation providing free legal services to children, families and foster caregivers in the District of Columbia.
www.childrenslawcenter.org/
(202) 467-4900
Office of the Student Advocate
The Office of the Student Advocate was established by Council to “provide outreach to students, parents, families, and communities regarding public education in the District of Columbia.” In our work, we provide step-by-step assistance for students, parents, families, and community members to Be Informed, Be Connected, and Be Empowered.
sboe.dc.gov/page/office-student-advocate
(202) 741-4692
[email protected]
Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education
The Office of the Ombudsman is responsible for helping students and parents resolve problems as they engage with the District of Columbia Public Schools and public charter schools. The Office offers conflict resolution services to parents, families, and students and is committed to resolving school related complaints, disputes and problems quickly and efficiently in all areas that affect student learning.
sboe.dc.gov/page/office-of-the-ombudsman-for-public-education
(202) 741-0886
School Choice
MySchoolDC
DC residents have many public school options. My School DC, in partnership with DCPS and almost all DC public charter schools, makes it easier for families to take advantage of these choices.
http://www.myschooldc.org/
(202) 888-6336
Enrollment & Residency
District of Columbia residents are entitled to a free public education if documentation is provided that verifies their residency status. DC public schools are required to report suspected cases of residency fraud to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) immediately. In some cases, non-residents may attend DC public schools, but they must pay tuition after meeting established criteria. In addition, in order to be accepted/admitted as a non-resident, schools should not have any residents on its waiting list.
osse.dc.gov/service/enrollment-andresidency
(202) 727-6436
Resources
- State Board of Education- Education and Community Resource Guide
- Children’s Law Center
- Kids Ride Free
Health and Behavioral Health
OSSE Citywide Healthy Youth Resource Guide
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) enthusiastically announces the release of the Healthy Youth Resource Guide. Working in conjunction with the District of Columbia of Public Schools and the Public Charter School Board, OSSE created an adolescent health services and support directory as a guidance tool for both District school staff and youth serving organizations.
DBH Behavioral Health Resource Directory
The District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) seeks to make it easy for residents to access quality behavioral healthcare when needed. We recognize that needs, services and priorities are very individualized and often complex. To help, the Department of Behavioral Health is making available a Behavioral Health Resource Link, an online resource directory of mental health and substance use services and resources.
dbh.dc.gov/page/behavioral-health-resource-directory