DC+XQ is a multi-year, community-driven partnership between DC Public Schools (DCPS) and XQ to rethink what high schools can be and then come together to make those visions a reality.

The partnership brings tools, funding, and ongoing coaching and professional development to students, educators, families, and school community members as they envision new possibilities for DC’s high school students. We provide teams with the resources, time, and space outside of their daily operations to step back and reflect on what’s working and what’s not, dream boldly, and create sustainable change for today’s high schoolers—and the future.

While the overall goal is for students to graduate high school ready to meet college, career, and life with confidence, each school team is carving its own path. All participating high schools begin with an Educational Opportunity Audit (EOA) to help them understand disparities within their own school and identify barriers to equity. School teams visit and remain connected to XQ schools across the country to get inspired and see what’s possible. With the help of experts across industries and disciplines, each DC+XQ school develops a core design concept—rethinking programming, classes, and community partnerships to deliver high-quality, equitable learning experiences for all students.

DC+XQ is our first-ever district-wide collaboration. Working in our nation’s capital provides an exciting example with opportunities to demonstrate what is possible in every community in our country.

DC+XQ engaged with thousands of school community members who generously shared their ideas for high school redesign. Each school team used XQ’s Design Principles and Learner Outcomes to develop a redesign concept that captured their community’s assets and dreams. Student voice is at the center of every redesign, with students serving as team members and co-designers of their learning pathways.

Whether it’s rethinking the timing of the school day, creating new course opportunities, taking the learning outside the classroom, or entirely new innovations to elevate the student experience, nothing is off-limits. DC+XQ supports local high schools to ensure all students—including those furthest from opportunity—are prepared to succeed.