§ 38–301. Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter, the term:

(1) “Adult” means a person who is 18 years of age, or older.

(2) “Adult student” means a student who is at least 18 years old, or who has been emancipated from parental control by marriage, operation of statute, or the order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

(3) “Appointed representative” means an individual acting on behalf of a person, pursuant to his or her written authorization, in presenting to school or chartering authority officials documentation to establish or verify the District residency of the person seeking to enroll the student.

(4) “Chartering Authority” means a District entity authorized to grant charters for the establishment of charter schools, pursuant to either subchapter II of Chapter 18 of this title or Chapter 17 of this title.

(5) “Child” means a person who is less than 18 years of age.

(6) “Custodian” means a person to whom physical custody has been granted by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(7) “District of Columbia public schools” or “DCPS” means the District of Columbia public school system, not including public charter schools.

(8) “Guardian” means a person who has been appointed legal guardian of a student by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(9) “Orphan” means a child who resides in the District of Columbia and who does not have a living parent or guardian.

(10) “Other primary caregiver” means a person other than a parent or court appointed custodian or guardian who is the primary provider of care and support to a child who resides with him or her, and whose parent, custodian, or guardian is unable to supply such care and support and who submits evidence, pursuant to § 38-310 and procedures established pursuant to § 38-311, that he or she is the primary caregiver of the student.

(11) “Parent” means a natural parent, stepparent, or parent by adoption who has custody or control of a student, including joint custody.

(12) “Public charter school” means a District school authorized by a chartering authority.

(13) “State Education Office” means the office established by Chapter 26 of this title.