CAPCS History

CAPCS had its roots in the successful Kids House afterschool program developed by Kent Amos as part of the Urban Family Institute (UFI). It became clear that while disadvantaged, primarily urban, children benefited from the structured after-school environment, those few hours were not enough to combat the many negative influences around them. The emergence of DC charter schools in the late 1990s provided the opportunity to offer children and their families a first-class academic program in an extended-day school setting that promoted the values and skills children need to succeed.

CAPCS received its charter from the District of Columbia Board of Education in May 1998 and opened its doors in September of that year with 287 students in what is now the Amos 1 campus. The name was chosen to highlight the twin pillars of the school – a commitment to the concept of community and a place of knowledge and achievement. The name Dorothy I. Height later became part of the school's name in honor of the legendary woman who dedicated her life to human rights and education. Dr. Height was a member of the Board of Trustees and an active participant in the life of the school.

The city centralized the chartering authority in the D.C. Public Charter School Board (PCSB) and as of July, 2007, CAPCS reports to PCSB. Growth has been steady, both in enrollment (now some 1,800 students on five campuses and the city's only elementary on-line school program) and in the strength of its faculty and academic offering. All CAPCS teachers and teacher assistants are highly qualified as defined by the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. Significant challenges remain. For example, CAPCS serves more homeless children than any other charter school in DC and it is an uphill battle to see that our students receive the services they need. We continue to seek out opportunities to carry out our mission and move steadily toward our goal of excellence.