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Mission & Philosophy

About Us

Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy's mission is to prepare students to succeed in competitive colleges and to empower them to use public policy to create a more just, free, and equal world.

Chavez Schools is where DC's next generation of leaders, advocates, and changemakers begin their story. We serve students in grades 6 - 12 with a rigorous, public policy-focused education that doesn't just prepare scholars for what's next--it prepares them to shape what's next.

As DC's only public policy school, we equip every student with the tools, knowledge, and real-world experiences to step into their power and transform their communities.

Two students study at a round table covered with a black tablecloth in the foreground, while a blurred red car is visible through a large window in the background.

Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy Strategic Plan

2026-2029

The strategic plan for Chavez PCS was built with and for the Chavez community. Over two months, we listened deeply — engaging students, families, alumni, educators, and leaders about their experiences and hopes while rigorously analyzing student outcome data, research, and promising practices from across the country.

Our surveys, interviews, and focus groups included participation from:

• 30+ educators and staff,

• 150+ students,

• 20+ family members, and

• Extensive conversations with Chavez school leadership, Board of Trustees, and members of the Strategic Planning and Implementation Committee.