House appropriations bill proposes $500M for Charter Schools Program in FY26

The House Committee on Appropriations has advanced the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2026. The bill includes $500 million in funding for the Charter Schools Program (CSP), which represents a $60 million increase from previous levels.

Starlee Coleman, CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, expressed appreciation for the committee's actions. “Thank you to the House Committee on Appropriations for advancing the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill for FY 2026. We’re especially grateful to Chairman Tom Cole (OK-04) and Subcommittee Chairman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) for their leadership.

The FY26 bill includes $500 million for the Charter Schools Program (CSP), a $60 million boost, as well as key flexibilities that would expand access to school facilities and reduce barriers to effective CSP implementation. With nearly four million students enrolled in charter schools today, this bill would open doors to opportunity, build brighter futures, and drive real change.

We look forward to our continued partnership with the House to uplift and prioritize the life-changing opportunities charter schools offer to students and families. With strong, forward-thinking measures and focused investments – like some of those advanced in this bill – we are one step closer to achieving a vision of educational opportunity and excellence for all.”

Charter schools are public institutions that operate with greater flexibility than traditional public schools but are subject to increased oversight. There are currently 8,150 charter schools in operation across the United States—about 8.1% of all public schools—serving approximately 3.7 million students or 7.6% of all public school students. Two-thirds of these students come from low-income backgrounds or are Black or Latino.

Research indicates that charter schools can improve student outcomes by providing individualized support and preparing them for success beyond high school.

The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools advocates for policies that support growth in the sector, equitable funding, improved access to facilities, and operational flexibility. More information about their work is available at www.publiccharters.org.