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.
Marvin Joseph is the visuals operations manager for Education Week who oversees the photography and video department.
Yi-Jo Shen is a contributing video producer for Education Week.