As Mayor, I will make education my top priority. Our schools should give every child — no matter their ward or family income — the chance to succeed. Too many of our students are being left behind, especially in literacy, and that has lifelong consequences. We need smaller class sizes, stronger support for teachers, and programs that give every student the tools to thrive.

Literacy First

Only 36% of D.C. third graders are reading at grade level. That is unacceptable. Reading is the foundation of every subject — without it, students fall behind in math, science, and beyond.

I will launch Every Child Reads, a citywide literacy tutoring program providing free, one-on-one tutoring for students in grades 1–12. By partnering with volunteers, universities, and community organizations, we can deliver proven, research-based support that helps students catch up and excel. Families will also get resources to support learning at home, so no child falls through the cracks.

The Science of Reading

For too long, outdated teaching methods have held our students back. We will fully implement the Science of Reading, an evidence-based approach that teaches children how to decode, understand, and love reading.

This means:

• Adopting Science of Reading–aligned curriculum across all schools.

• Training every teacher in the latest evidence-based literacy methods.

• Providing targeted interventions for students with dyslexia and other learning differences.

• Equipping parents with tools to support literacy at home.

Literacy is not a privilege — it’s a right. As Mayor, I will ensure that D.C. will lead the way in ensuring every child has that right.

Supporting Teachers

Great schools require great teachers. I will invest in recruiting, retaining, and respecting educators. That includes:

• Smaller class sizes so teachers can give more attention to each child.

• Paid training in evidence-based reading instruction.

• Stronger classroom resources and professional development.

• A commitment to keeping teachers in D.C. through better pay and support.

Beyond the Classroom

Education is about more than test scores. I will ensure that every student has access to:

• After-school programs that provide enrichment, tutoring, and safe spaces.

• Summer learning opportunities to prevent the “summer slide.”

• Pathways to careers through internships, job training, and partnerships with local businesses.

• Schools that nurture creativity, critical thinking, and leadership — not just test prep.

Every child in D.C. deserves the chance to dream big and achieve those dreams.

As Mayor, I will make the investments, reforms, and partnerships necessary to deliver the high-quality education our children deserve.

Because when our kids succeed, our city succeeds.

DC Lives Here. Expect More.