Learning and Academic Support for Your Student
Early Learning with the DC Public Library
DC Public Library (DCPL) offers Video Story Books, Sing, Talk and Read (STAR), and Books from Birth, a program letting DC families with children ages birth to 5 sign up for a free book each month by email. Learn more at dclibrary.org.
Early Stages: Free Evaluation for Developmental Delays and Disabilities
DC Public Schools (DCPS) offers free evaluations to identify developmental delays and disabilities in children ages 2 years 8 months to 5 years 10 months. Early Stages is available to any DC child not attending a DCPS school, including homeschooled children, and to non-residents attending a private school or child care center in DC. This service is not available to children enrolled in public charter schools.) Learn more at earlystagesdc.org.
Pre-K Family Toolkit
DC offers a free, full-day Pre-K program for children ages 3 and 4 — one of the most robust in the nation, with enrollment reaching 82% of 3-year-olds and 95% of 4-year-olds. The Pre-K Family toolkit includes:
- Getting Ready for Pre-K Guide, featuring frequently asked Pre-K questions
- Early Literacy Guide, with tips for supporting literacy at home
- Math Guide, covering the math skills your child will be exposed to in Pre-K
- Social-Emotional Learning Guide, with tips for building healthy relationships and handling strong emotions
Find the guide at readyforprek.org.
Supporting Your Elementary Schooler's Learning
Reading at home with children is critical for fostering a love of reading, building language skills, and strengthening bonds. DCPS encourages just 20 minutes a day. DCPS Library Programs offer resources to help parents and families nurture a lifelong passion for learning and discovery. Learn more at tinyurl.com/libraryprogramsguidedcps
Sixth Grade Academies
The DCPS Sixth Grade Academies focus on a smooth transition to middle school through family engagement, academic success, special events, and active participation in school. Each cohort builds a community of learners who are set up to flourish in middle school and beyond. Learn more at dcps.dc.gov/sixthgradeacademy.
DC ReEngagement Center
The DC ReEngagement Center Helps youth ages 16–24 who are not enrolled in school reconnect to educational options and services, including support in earning a high school diploma or GED. Also serves District residents of all ages seeking a secondary education credential and career pathway. Learn more at backontrackdc.osse.dc.gov
DC CAPE Scores
All students in DC take the District of Columbia Comprehensive Assesments of Progress in Education (DC CAPE) each year in English language arts/literacy and math. Parents can access results in early fall through the DC CAPE Family Portal. Access codes are assigned to each students and are available through the school the child was attending when they took the assignment.
To access the DC CAPE Family Portal, visit osse.dc.gov/dccape for more information.
Become a Tutor
Sign up to support young people in our community as a tutor. Learn more at cityschoolscollab.org/join