Charter schools serve black and Hispanic students at higher rates than traditional public schools, according to new data from the National Center for Education Statistics.
One in four charter schools has a majority black student population, while another one in four has a majority Hispanic student population. By comparison, only 9 percent of traditional public schools have a majority black population, while 15 percent have a majority Hispanic population.
Majority Hispanic charter schools have risen since the 1999-2000 school year, when only 11 percent of charter schools held that status. Now, 23 percent do.
Thirty-seven percent of charter schools serve majority white student populations, down from half in 1999-2000. Six in 10 traditional public schools have majority white student populations today.
Charter schools also serve low-income students at a higher rate than traditional public schools. Thirty-seven percent of charter schools have a student population in which three-in-four students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches. Only 23 percent of traditional public schools can say the same.
The data released are from the 2012-13 school year. That year, three-person households earning under $35,317 a year were eligible for reduced-price lunches in 48 states.
Critics of charter schools often claim that they take the “cream of the crop” by accepting only high-achieving students. To the contrary, given their public status, most charter schools have to accept all students who wish to attend. If a charter runs out of space, it must run a random lottery to fill open seats.
The data show that racial minorities and low-income families are taking advantage of charter school opportunities when they are available.
Charter schools are publicly-funded and do not charge tuition. Compared to traditional public schools, charter schools have more independence in their operations and curricula, which is why so many families find charter schools desirable.
