Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy opened with a dream to provide DC youth with a quality high school education focused on public policy. In 1998, Irasema Salcido founded the first school in a grocery store basement with 60 eager students.

From the beginning, the goal was the prepare students to pursue a college education and take an active role in addressing important social issues in their communities.

Now, 20 years later, Chavez Schools provides a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, a unique public policy program, and a safe and supportive learning environment with comprehensive support services. With campus locations in Capitol Hill, Columbia Heights, and Parkside communities, Chavez Schools currently serves almost 1,100 students in grades 6-12.

Mission

Chavez Schools’ 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.