Early Childhood Video

A Charter School Finds ‘Looping’ Strategy Benefits Youngest Students

By Marvin Joseph & Yi-Jo Shen — July 01, 2026 1 min read
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Capital City Public Charter School, the first parent-founded charter school in the nation’s capital, takes a unique approach to early learning. Three- and 4-year-olds share a classroom. This “looping” benefits both younger and older learners. The 3-year-olds lean on their older peers for guidance. The 4-year-olds get to share what they know. The arrangement prepares all the students to embrace the school’s mission, which highlights critical thinking, a joy of learning, and social justice advocacy.

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