Between 1931 and 1935, under mayor Pedro Ernesto's administration, Anísio created a network of local public schools, from primary education up to university. He introduced a modern concept in schooling architecture, increased the number of places, created areas of research and training, the Polytechnics and also turned the former 'Teaching School' founded during Fernão de Azevedo's administration, into the Institute of Education.

Choir singing, Physical Education, as well as a chance to take part in the school's radio were also seen as important aspects of the reform implemented. However, among all his doings, the founding of the University of the Federal District in 1935, whose first headmaster was Afrânio Peixoto, generated a great deal of controversy. About that university, Darcy Ribeiro would later say: "Anísio's dearest one was closed down, its teachers, the most brilliant teachers Brazil has ever had, were all banned."

During the years that he was head of the Federal District Public Education Division, Anísio published the following books: "Educação progressiva - uma introdução à filosofia da educação (Progressive Education - an introduction to the philosophy of education) in 1932, and "Em marcha para a Democracia" (Marching towards Democracy) , in 1934. In reward for his contributions both in writing and in the former Federal District, he began to project his name abroad.