Since 2002, the city has invested substantially in DCPS facility modernizations to ensure school communities have access to state-of-the-art learning environments. DCPS facilities in Ward 7 and Ward 8 each have undergone 22 modernizations of all types, followed by Ward 4 with 20. These three wards are also home to the greatest number of DCPS facilities. See below for an interactive map with individual schools and the bottom for definitions of the different modernization types.
Number of DCPS facility modernizations by ward
The interactive map below allows users to explore the modernizations for each DCPS school including filters for year ranges and completed or planned modernizations. Click on types of modernizations (colors) or search for individual schools.
DCPS facility modernizations by individual school
Wards 3, 4, and 7 lead the city with the share of DCPS facilities located in the ward already fully modernized or scheduled to be in the FY25 through FY30 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) at 91%, 88%, and 85%, respectively. When filtering to exclude the upcoming modernizations scheduled in the FY25-FY30 CIP, the Ward 7 share of full modernizations drops to 60% meaning many of the modernizations are expected in the next five to six years.
Proportion of DCPS facilities with full modernizations by ward
Definitions. Modernizations can be grouped into four types:
- Army Corps of Engineers modernizations, which involved full building renovations, were completed before 2006.
- Phase 1 modernizations, or partial modernizations conducted between 2007 and 2015, focused primarily on upgrading core academic spaces.
- Full modernizations have been carried out consistently from 2002 to 2025, becoming the standard approach after 2015 in alignment with DCPS Education Specifications (Ed Specs) that address all spaces and building systems.
- Building additions, on the other hand, are projects designed to increase the capacity of existing facilities to accommodate growing enrollment. Portable and modular buildings are not considered to be additions.
Sources: DME (DC Public Education Master Facilities Plan 2023), DCPS and DGS. See the DC Public Education Master Facilities Plan 2023 for information and recommendations on Goal 2: Ensure every student is enrolled in a modern, state-of- the-art facility.
