Examining forward momentum in D.C.'s public schools

Collaborative member D.C. Policy Center recently released State of D.C. Schools, 2024–25: Forward momentum, its annual flagship report providing a comprehensive look at D.C. public education. In school year 2024-25, D.C.'s public schools marked a meaningful turning point — moving beyond pandemic recovery and into a period of renewed stability, with historic gains in learning outcomes, graduation rates reaching a decade high, and continued growth in enrollment and educator retention. The release event drew over 200 attendees and featured expert speakers, including the Deputy Mayor for Education, the State Superintendent of Education, DCPS and charter school leaders, as well as parent and student perspectives.

Highlighting Progress and Persistent Challenges

The report draws on publicly available data from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), statewide school climate surveys, and community listening sessions to assess where the system is making durable gains and where focused action is still needed. D.C. experienced its largest improvement in learning outcomes since the pandemic, with both English Language Arts and math proficiency rising 4 percentage points — the biggest single-year jump in a decade. High school graduation rates reached 79 percent, the highest level in more than ten years, and teacher and principal retention both improved for the second consecutive year. At the same time, chronic absenteeism remained elevated at 40 percent, college and career readiness indicators showed mixed results, and significant gaps in outcomes across wards and student groups persisted. The report also features a novel study on patterns and predictors of chronic absenteeism in D.C. middle and high schools, as well as community perspectives on emerging issues including AI in education and student mental health.

Strengthening D.C.'s Education Ecosystem

This report aligns with the D.C. Policy Center's broader mission to advance fact-based, unbiased research that helps create a vibrant District of Columbia with expanded opportunity for all residents. Through the State of D.C. Schools, 2024–25, the team aims to equip education leaders and policymakers with the evidence needed to sustain momentum and address persistent inequities — particularly as emerging federal and economic shifts introduce new pressures for schools and families.

Looking Ahead

The report closes with an honest assessment of the road ahead: while 2024-25 demonstrated that improvement is possible, the 2025-26 school year opens against a more uncertain economic and policy backdrop, with a weakening labor market and potential federal funding changes presenting new challenges. The D.C. Policy Center emphasizes that sustaining recent gains will require continued investment in attendance, student mental health, and postsecondary pathways — ensuring that every student graduates not just with a diploma, but with a genuine pathway to opportunity.

To learn more, visit the D.C. Policy Center's State of D.C. Schools, 2024–25: Forward momentum.