Are they a reasonable solution for Washington DC public schools? The nation's capital has a problematic history with public school education. Washington, DC public schools have been consistently ranked as having the "lowest graduation rate" in the United States for years (Brown). To address this problem, the district began undertaking crucial reforms. Due to Washington DC's long-term neglect of public education, charter schools sprung up in the city in 1996 (Pardo 11). Since their inception, charter schools have become a more popular option for DC parents seeking better outcomes than public schools (Cane 9). But is it appropriate for charter schools to dominate the education scene in Washington, DC, while other traditional public schools still struggle? This research paper will examine the background and success of DC's charter school movement as well as the ongoing debate over the role charter schools play in the public education system. Charter schools, which exist throughout the United States, are “rooted in the principle of public education.” , a free education nestled in ideas of parental choice” (Pardo 6). Since “Minnesota launched its first charter school in 1991,” charter schools have seen “a huge increase in their numbers, reaching more than 5,300 in 2011” (Chen). Like traditional public schools, charter schools are “publicly funded” (Chen). However, parents must “apply separately to enroll their children in charter schools, and spaces are often limited” (Pascual). Each charter school has an independent board of directors that oversees finances (Pardo 6). Enrollment is choice-based, with parents selecting schools because of their specific focus, curriculum, or other characteristics (Pardo 7). When registrations are exceeded...... middle of paper ......versity, 2010. Ann Arbor: ProQuest. Internet. April 5, 2014. Koppich, Julia E. “Journal Issue: School Finance.” The future of children. 7.3. (1997). Internet. April 30, 2014. “Moody's: Charter Schools Pose Biggest Credit Challenge.” » Moody's Investor Services. October 15, 2013. The web. April 28, 2014. Pardo, Alexandra. The relationship between Student Achievement Charter high schools in Washington, DC. Diss. George Washington University, 2013. Ann Arbor: ProQuest. Internet. March 23, 2014.Pascual, Psyche. “Public, private or charter schools. » GreatSchools.org. and Web. April 29, 2014. Ravitch, Diane. “Charter schools are a colossal mistake. Here's why. AlterNet. October 2, 2013. The web. March 22, 2014. Snyder, Jason. Personal interview. April 8, 2014.Weider, Joann M. “Charter School Lottery Bets With Children's Futures and Often Loses.” » Daily Politics. July 15, 2010. Web. April 30. 2014.