Advancing Responsible, Equitable AI in DC Schools
Launched in 2026, the DC AI Collaborative — an initiative of Washington Leadership Academy — brings educators, school leaders, and community partners together to share best practices around artificial intelligence in teaching and learning.
A future where every DC student thrives in an AI-enabled world — and helps shape it.
We envision a future where every DC student attends a school that prepares them to thrive in an AI-enabled world, and to change it for the better.
In this future, educators are supported by thoughtful technology, teaching is sustainable and joyful, and emerging tools expand opportunity rather than deepen inequity.
Washington Leadership Academy was a recipient of the 2026 AI K12 Student Agency Award.
Presented for championing student agency and elevating meaningful community voice through the ethical use of AI.
Most schools lack the time, capacity, and shared guidance to integrate AI effectively.
An Acute Gap
This gap is especially acute for single-site public charter schools and schools serving historically underserved communities, which often lack dedicated AI expertise or professional learning infrastructure.
The Stakes
Without coordinated support, these schools risk falling further behind — and students lose access to skills and opportunities becoming essential for their futures.
Our Response
The DC AI Collaborative exists to close that gap by creating a shared, citywide learning community where schools learn from one another and build collective capacity.
Real classrooms. Educator voice. Citywide impact.
Grounded in real classrooms and shaped by educator and student voice, the Collaborative supports schools as they navigate rapid technological change while centering equity, instructional quality, and educator well-being.
- Educators are supported, not replaced, by thoughtful technology
- Teaching stays sustainable, human, and joyful
- Emerging tools expand opportunity instead of deepening inequity
- Best practices spread across schools, not just within them
See it in action at the Living Lab @ WLA.
Washington Leadership Academy serves as the Living Lab for the Collaborative — where ideas about AI in education are tested, refined, and grounded in real classrooms.