District Of Columbia Public Schools

In the District of Columbia Public Schools district (DCPS), students can attend any school (called intradistrict choice), as long as there is space. DCPS offers Montessori and Reggio Emilia programs for young children; specialized programs for elementary, middle and high school students; charter and magnet schools. High school students can apply to programs or academies that focus on such areas as engineering, performing arts or science; deadlines range from late January to late March. Under the federal No Child Left Behind law, students attending a Title I school designated as "in need of improvement" have the right to attend a higher performing school in the district.