Our Signature Event
Standing Ovation
For more than 15 years, Standing Ovation has honored the achievements of DCPS’ top teachers, leaders, and school communities.
Celebrating the city’s best educators.
Honorees since inception.
Raised since 2010.
#1 In the Nation…
DC Public Schools has delivered extraordinary results for students over the years — driven by bold investments in instruction, tutoring, literacy, and teacher excellence.
Reports from major education analyses recently confirmed that Washington, DC, is the fastest-improving urban school district in the nation. With data spanning a three-year period, our city now leads the country in post-pandemic academic recovery across both math and reading.
…Deserves a Standing Ovation!
Standing Ovation is our city’s only elite honorary evening that brings together leaders, believers, and achievers who are deeply committed to continued progress for DCPS students and schools.
We invite you to join us as we honor top educators, celebrate the district’s top national ranking, and rally supporters for further investments in the future of DC Public Schools!
2027 Event Details
January 28, 2027
National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum
8th St NW & G St NW
Washington, DC 20001
Frequently Asked Questions
Who attends Standing Ovation?
Standing Ovation brings together approximately 600 of DC’s business leaders, philanthropic champions, education partners, and civic leaders alongside DCPS educators, school staff, school leaders, and administrators, including the DC Mayor in past years. It is a celebration for the entire DC public education community.
How does this event help DCPS?
Standing Ovation raises critical private funds that support DCPS’ highest-priority and most innovative initiatives for students. Since 2010, the event has raised more than $2 million to elevate the teaching profession and invest in the future of DC public education.
This year’s event is particularly special. DC now ranks #1 in the nation in both math and reading recovery, graduation rates are at their highest in over a decade, and thousands more students are showing up to school engaged and ready to learn. Standing Ovation 2027 is our community’s opportunity to send a clear message to the educators who made this progress possible: we see you, we celebrate you, and we are committed to keeping this momentum going.
Who can I contact with questions?
Please email events@dcedfund.org with additional questions. Someone will response within 1-2 business days. For sponsorship-related questions, contact Emerald Adeyemi at eadeyemi@dcedfund.org.
How can I attend?
Tickets to Standing Ovation are reserved for award recipients, DCPS leadership, event sponsors, and invited guests. Individual tickets are not available for purchase. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please click here.
How are award recipients selected?
Each year, we source recommendations from the DCPS community, including parents, students, and fellow educators. Nominees are then invited to complete a brief application, which is reviewed by a selection panel. Finalists are interviewed and visited at their schools before winners are announced via a surprise visit across the district.
What should I wear?
Standing Ovation is a formal affair. We encourage guests to dress in their finest! Think cocktail attire or formal wear.
Can I nominate someone for an award?
Nominations for the 2027 Standing Ovation are now closed. The nomination process for the following year’s event will open again in May 2027. We encourage you to mark your calendars!
A round of applause for 2026.
Congratulations to the exceptional educators, school staff, school leaders, central services leaders, and schools who earned the spotlight as recipients of the 2026 Standing Ovation for DC Public Schools Awards! Their dedication and innovation have made a lasting impact on education across DC Public Schools. As we celebrate these inspiring individuals and schools, we invite you to view past awardees and revisit the remarkable moments from previous ceremonies. Your support makes these events truly special.
