Academic Program
High School
Graduation Requirements
Each Chávez student needs to accumulate the 23.5 credits in order to graduate. Every Chávez graduate will acquire 5 credits of English, 4 credits of Mathematics, 3 credits of Science, 3 credits of History & Politics, 3 credits of World Languages, .75 Capstone credits, 1.25 Public Policy credits, 1 credit of Art, 1 elective credit, and 1 credit of Reading. In addition to the satisfactory completion of regular academic coursework, a variety of compulsory activities such as tutoring, summer enrichment programs, college and career preparation workshops, and student portfolios are also required.
Typical Course Load
Ninth Grade
- English I
- Integrated Mathematics I
- Physical Science
- United States History from 1865
- Literacy Workshop
- Foundations in Public Policy (sem.)
- Health (sem.)
- Silent Sustained Reading
- CAPSTONE: Art & Social Change
- Summer School
Tenth Grade
- English II
- Integrated Mathematics II
- Biology
- Modern World History
- Spanish I
- Visual Arts
- Silent Sustained Reading
- Community Action Project
- CAPSTONE: Issues & Campaigns
- Summer School
Eleventh Grade
- English III
- Integrated Mathematics III
- Chemistry
- Politics & Citizenship
- Spanish II
- Elective
- Silent Sustained Reading
- CAPSTONE: Junior Fellowship
- Summer School
Twelfth Grade
- English IV
- Senior Year Mathematics
- Senior Policy Thesis Seminar
- Spanish III
- Elective
- Elective
- Silent Sustained Reading
Bell Schedule
Classes at the Chávez High School will begin promptly at 8:55 am and will end at 3:05 pm daily, with the exception of Fridays when students are dismissed at 3:10 pm. After School Activities, once they begin, will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons from 3:15 to 4:15 pm.
Middle School
Middle School Overview
The vision of all César Chávez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy is to develop young people who will make this world a better place by influencing the public policies that affect their communities.
The mission of the César Chávez Public Charter Middle School for Public Policy is to provide a rigorous education for DC public school students in grades 6-8 that will prepare them to succeed in a demanding, college-prep high school setting, while instilling in students an interest in lifelong learning and civic engagement.
The Chávez Middle School will achieve its mission through a small, safe, supportive family-oriented environment with an emphasis on literacy and the nurturing of the individual needs of each student through diverse instructional strategies and comprehensive services and support programs. The school will be held accountable for achieving high standards and will work tirelessly to ensure that graduates of the school will be prepared for the demanding curriculum of the Chávez High School.
The Chávez Middle School is a unique institution that provides DC youth a first rate public high school education and unparalleled opportunities to become active citizens dedicated to improving their communities through civic involvement. Five characteristics define the unique position that the Chávez Schools hold:
- Inclusive Program
- Demanding Standards
- Innovative Public Policy Curriculum
- Supportive Learning Environment
- Outstanding Faculty and Staff
Middle School Academic Program
The Chávez Middle School is committed to preparing students for the demands of a rigorous high school curriculum and to instilling the belief and desire that they can attend and succeed at the college level. We believe that DC youth are entitled to a top-quality education that demands the same high standards of them as of any other students in this country. To achieve this goal, the middle school curriculum must itself be rigorous, challenging students to perform at high levels to meet the standards and expectations of the school.
In addition to the rigorous academic curriculum, the school will emphasize the following programs, all designed to meet the school’s mission and prepare students for success at the high school level and beyond:
Public Policy
The Chávez Middle School is committed to preparing responsible and engaged young citizens by teaching them the tools they need to affect change in their communities and in the world.
Literacy Across the Curriculum
The Chávez Middle School is committed to developing competent, literate, well-rounded young adults who are prepared for success in high school, college, and in life.
The C.E.S.A.R. Value System
The Chávez Middle School is committed to building the character and sense of responsibility of its students so that ultimately they are better able to focus on their schoolwork and make healthy life decisions.
Middle School Curriculum
The Chávez Middle School curriculum includes rigorous academic standards in mathematics, science, English, reading, geography, history, art, health and physical education, foreign language, and public policy, chosen to ensure that students are prepared for the demanding Chávez High School college prep curriculum. Teachers are responsible for incorporating DCPS standards into their curriculum. In addition, teachers use the standards of national organizations for each discipline and exemplary middle school curriculum models within each discipline.
The Chávez Middle School curriculum is very rigorous. It is designed around challenging standards and infused with public policy themes and literacy instruction, and it requires teachers to use practices that promote character development and responsible decision-making.
Below is a list of the typical course sequence for Chávez Middle School students, by grade. Note that we analyze every student’s needs and place them in the appropriate classes.
Sixth Grade
- English
- Mathematics Foundation A
- Integrated Science
- Global Studies
- MS Literacy Workshop
- Physical Education (semester)
- Technology (semester)
- Silent Sustained Reading
- 2 Capstone Units
- Summer School
Seventh Grade
- English
- Mathematics Foundation B or Mathematics Foundation C
- Life Science
- Global Studies (05-06 year only, World Civilization thereafter)
- Physical Education (semester)
- Health (semester)
- Visual and/or Performing Arts
- Silent Sustained Reading
- 2 Capstone Units
- Summer School
Eighth Grade
- English
- Mathematics Foundation C or Integrated Math I
- Earth & Environmental Science
- United States History to 1865
- Physical Education (semester)
- Health (semester)
- Visual and/or Performing Arts
- Silent Sustained Reading
- 2 Capstone Units
- Summer School
All Chávez Middle School students are also expected to participate in one After School program each week. Student participation will be monitored and required for promotion to the next grade level. After School program offerings include tutoring and mentoring, sports, clubs, and other enrichment activities. Students will have choices in which activities they participate in and they will be offered three days/week. The choices will vary throughout the year giving students plenty of opportunity to find and develop their interests.
Bell Schedule
Classes at the Chávez High School will begin promptly at 8:55 am and will end at 3:05 pm daily, with the exception of Fridays when students are dismissed at 3:10 pm. After School Activities, once they begin, will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons from 3:15 to 4:15 pm.
Classes at the Chávez Middle School will begin promptly at 8:30 am and will end at 3:05 pm daily, with the exception of Fridays when students are dismissed at 3:10 pm. After School Activities, once they begin, will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:15 to 4:15 pm.