The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) mission is to ensure that students reach their full potential through rigorous and joyful learning experiences provided in a nurturing environment. Activities that pose safety risks beyond what would be expected during a typical school day (e.g., bounce houses and petting zoos) put that mission at risk and present additional liability for DCPS.

Given that liability, inflatable attractions that students jump or climb on are not permitted under any circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to, bounce houses and obstacle courses. Inflatable attractions that students do not jump or climb on (e.g., inflatable bowling, inflatable soccer, or decorative inflatable arches) are permitted provided they are used within manufacturer guidelines, students are strictly prohibited from jumping or climbing on them under any circumstances, and the vendor meets all applicable insurance requirements. For all other activities that pose a safety risk beyond what would be expected during a typical school day (e.g., petting zoo, dunk tank, or inflatables that students do not climb in or on), additional requirements as described in the policy will apply.

This policy applies to any activity that poses additional risk that is operated by a DCPS school or on DCPS property, regardless of the funding source or event sponsor (e.g., school, PTA, or partner organization). For questions about whether an activity under consideration is subject to these requirements, please contact DCPS’ Office of Risk Management at [email protected].