Examining Student Enrollment at DC Public Charter Schools

Today, OSSE released the official student enrollment for public schools in the District of Columbia. Student enrollment has increased by 2.9 percent this year, with citywide public school enrollment growing to 90,001. It has been more than three decades since 90,000+ students attended a public school in Washington, DC. This increased enrollment shows that the city’s investments in education are working – more families are sending their children to a public school.

Highlights

• There are 41,502 students enrolled in public charter schools in the 2016-17 school year.
• Public charter school quality keeps growing, and more students are attending top-performing schools.
• More families are choosing quality public schools, and the Public Charter School Board prioritizes school quality over growth.
• Public charter school enrollment increased by 6.7 percent.

Enrollment by Grade

Public charter schools saw an increase in the number of students in grades 4 and 9. In 4th grade, increased by 11.2%. This is attributed to two schools, Bridges PCS and KIPP DC – Spring Academy PCS, adding grade 4 this school year. While schools educating 9th grader students saw the largest increase at 11.1 percent. This increase is because two new schools opened, Washington Leadership Academy and Goodwill Excel Center PCS.

Enrollment by School Quality Report Tier

More students are attending top performing schools this year.

Official student enrollment for public schools in the District of Columbia from OSSE.