This article was originally posted by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.
Today, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools released its fourth annual analysis of public school enrollment data, Do You Know Where the Children Are? A Five-Year Analysis of Public School Enrollment. For the 2023-2024 school year, charter schools added more than 80,000 new students, making these innovative public schools the only segment of the public school ecosystem experiencing consistent growth, in contrast to district public schools, which have seen a steady decline in enrollment.
The five-year trend data shows that in aggregate, charter schools’ enrollment is growing while district public schools are losing students. District public schools lost almost 1.8 million students since the beginning of the pandemic (SY 2020-21), while charter school enrollment grew by nearly 400,000 students, creating a stark contrast to general enrollment trends in public education.
"The continued enrollment growth in public charter schools is not just about numbers—it's about the power of choice and opportunity for families across the country," said Starlee Coleman, President and CEO of the National Alliance. "Every new student who walks through the doors of a charter school represents a family that believes in the promise of public education and the potential for their child’s success. Charter schools are proof that when families are given options, innovation thrives and students excel. Enrollment growth of more than 80,000 new students in just one year is a clear sign that families are not waiting for the system to catch up to their needs—they are actively seeking schools that meet their children’s needs today."
This enrollment report provides a comprehensive look at enrollment trends across public education, asking key questions to better understand how the landscape is shifting in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and how charter school enrollment fits into the broader patterns of public school enrollment.
What we found:
- Charter school enrollment has steadily increased by nearly 400,000 students over the past five years, while district public schools have lost about 1.75 million students. Year-to-year, charter school enrollment grew by 83,172 in 2023-24, while district public schools saw a decline of 274,412 students.
- Charter schools have seen significant gains in Black and Hispanic student enrollment, with Hispanic enrollment growing 18 times faster than in district schools. White student enrollment in district schools has sharply declined, while charter schools have shown modest growth in White students.
- Charter schools have consistently outperformed expectations based on child population shifts, with 84% of states showing charter enrollment growth that exceeds school-aged population growth. In contrast, district schools underperformed child population trends, particularly for White and Black students, indicating a growing preference for charter schools.
"Our analysis shows that, while traditional district public schools are experiencing significant declines in student enrollment, charter schools have continued to grow year after year," said Drew Jacobs, Senior Director, Policy, Research, and Evaluation at the National Alliance and report co-author."This trend underscores the increasing demand for more diverse public education options.”
"By examining enrollment trends across different demographic groups, we gain insight into how these schools are serving diverse populations and where gaps still exist. Moreover, our analysis comparing shifts in the school-aged population with enrollment patterns is vital in identifying whether enrollment changes are driven by population shifts or by a genuine desire for public education options. This information is invaluable for policymakers, educators, and advocates as they work to create a more equitable and responsive education system that serves all students, no matter where they live or what their background is," continued Jacobs.
Lead Author Debbie Veney added, "The data from this report should serve as a wake-up call to all who care about public education. We have to offer families an option they believe in, or they will leave public schools altogether. For an ever-increasing number of families, charter schools are the public schools that best meet their needs. Where we can offer a seat at a charter school, families are taking it."
For each of the past four years, the National Alliance has analyzed these trends by state, offering insights on racial demographics and population changes. The 2023-2024 report shows that charter schools have maintained their popularity post-pandemic, especially in states with supportive policies and growing populations.
This enrollment report is a follow-up to the National Alliance’s 2021, 2022, and 2023 major reports, Voting With Their Feet, Changing Course, and Believing in Public Education. For more information, view Do You Know Where the Children Are? A Five-Year Analysis of Public School Enrollment. To speak with an expert, please email Alanna Klein at [email protected].
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