(Washington, DC) The DC State Education Office, DC Public Schools, the Board of Education Charter Schools, the Public Charter School Board, DC ParentSmart and the Washington Scholarship Fund today announced that for the first time a mailing is being sent to District parents with comprehensive information detailing education resources and public school options.

“This is the first time we’ve formed a collaborative partnership among education organizations to update parents about the many education services, programs and financial assistance available in the District of Columbia.” Interim State Education Officer Deborah Gist said. “This mailing is consistent with the Mayor’s objective of helping parents choose the education that is best for their children, and strengthening the partnership between parents and schools.”

The package contains:

Services available from DC Public Schools and Public Charter Schools.
How to receive a $7,500 scholarship to send children to a private/non-public DC school using the Washington Scholarship Fund.
Information from the State Education Office on financial assistance, a Web-based education resource center and free summer meals for children.
Help with understanding school choice options from a live telephone hotline with staff from DC ParentSmart.