More than 3 million students now attend public charter schools, according to a new report from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. That’s the most in the country’s history. In the last school year, enrollment in charter schools grew by more than 200,000 students.
There are more than 6,900 charter schools in the country, including 300 new ones that opened in fall 2016. Over the past decade, nationwide enrollment has almost tripled, up from 1.2 million students in the 2006-2007 school year.
A majority of states have at least 50 charter schools, while 17 have more than 100 charter schools. Of the states with at least 50 charters, Arkansas saw the biggest jump in enrollment in the last school year, growing by 20 percent.
Across the country, 43 states allow charter schools to operate.
Charter schools are publicly funded and do not charge tuition. Compared to traditional public schools, charters have more independence and flexibility in their operations and curricula, which is why many families find charters desirable. They are open to all students, but they often don’t have enough space to meet demand. In that case, they use a random lottery system to determine admission.
Jason Russell is the contributors editor for the Washington Examiner.
