Public School Enrollment Increases Again in the 2015-16 School Year

The unaudited figures show student enrollment in both public and public charter school increased slightly more than two percent, from 47,663 to 48,653 at the traditional public schools (DCPS), while public charter schools increased from 38,325 to 39,096.

The number of students enrolled in public schools in the District has reached 87,749, according to preliminary unaudited data released today by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).

Executive Director Scott Pearson said, “For the fourth year in a row both DCPS and public charter schools have added students. This is a sea change from where we were a generation ago. That’s good for the city and good for families.”

“Since 2008 the city has added nearly 17,000 students to its rolls, or 2,400 students per year, on average.  At this rate we will add another 24,000 students over the next ten years, implying a need for as many as 50 new schools across DCPS and charters. We look forward to addressing this extraordinary growth with our education colleagues across the city,” continues Pearson. 

OSSE is required by law to conduct an annual enrollment audit for DCPS and public charter schools, which is based on a preliminary snapshot of public school enrollment rosters. In 2014, OSSE launched an Office of Enrollment and Residency to strengthen its residency verification measures and this year plans to increase in-person technical assistance for all local education agencies. In addition, OSSE is running a transit ad campaign to encourage the reporting of non-residents receiving a free District-funded public education. These combined initiatives further the state education agency’s commitment to producing a valid and accurate annual enrollment audit. 

The final audited enrollment figures will be published in February 2016.

"For the fourth year in a row both DCPS and public charter schools have added students...That’s good for the city and good for families." -Scott Pearson