Chavez Schools: A Public Charter Success Story
Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy is one of the oldest Charter Management Organizations (CMOs) is The District of Columbia. The system is comprised of four schools, two middle schools and two high schools, each serving a broad and diverse student population from all areas of the city. Boasting almost perfect college acceptance rates and a unique Public Policy-themed curriculum, Chavez Schools is a public charter success story. While “school choice” remains a controversial concept in DC and across the country, Chavez makes a strong case for the urban charter school.
DC, Chavez, and the Public Charter System
Charter Schools emerged in America in the early 1990s from the philosophy that traditional public schools were not one-size-fits-all-students. At that time in DC, it seemed as if traditional public schools weren’t a fit at all for students from urban, lower-income communities, as these students continuously underperformed. It was this observation that prompted then DCPS vice principal Irasema Salcido to open Cesar Chavez Public Charter High School in 1998. Chavez was a part of the pioneer class of public charter schools in Washington, DC.
Salcido envisioned a place where students from the most underserved communities could get the support necessary to gain acceptance into college and succeed once there. Although many students came to Chavez far behind in reading and math, Salcido stayed strong in her commitment, pushing the students and holding them to the highest standard of achievement. Her dedication paid off–in 2002 every student in from the first graduating class was accepted into college. Over the last ten years, the small charter school has grown into a network with campuses in the historic neighborhoods of Capitol Hill, Columbia Heights, and Parkside.
Public Policy Education: A Strategy for Change
By definition, an educational entity is classified as a “public charter school” when it is financed by public funds but owned and operated independent of the municipal school system. In practice, a charter school will have a niche or a unique approach to education that defines it and differentiates it from other schools. For some charter schools in DC the claim to fame is simply out-performing DCPS, but at Chavez, however, it is public policy. Through public policy education, Chavez students come to understand the power of their voices and they are prepared to be change agents in their communities and in the world.
Topics in public policy and policy analysis are integrated into Chavez’s curriculum for every grade level in every subject. In middle school, scholars participate in several policy-related field experiences and direct service projects. In high school, scholars are fully immersed in the study of policy issues that effect young people. Every Chavez junior spends three weeks working in a government agency or civic organization as public policy fellow. As a graduation requirement, seniors must write and defend a 15-20 pages policy thesis.
The Chavez Scholar: A Success Story
Founder Irasema Salcido came to America as the daughter of migrant farm workers speaking little English and having few resources. She quickly discovered that a college education was the key to building a promising life in this country, and through Chavez Schools, she shares this notion with scholars whose backgrounds are just as challenging as hers. Many Chavez scholars come from some of the most underserved communities in Washington, DC where it is uncommon to finish high school much less attend college. 100% of the Class of 2011 was accepted into college and they were collectively awarded $1.3Million in Scholarships. Despite great odds, Chavez Schools continues to educate and empower. Its success is evidence that school choice is important, and public charter schools work.