Starlee Coleman, CEO | National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
Charter schools across the United States have continued to see steady growth in student enrollment over the past six years, despite a decline in the overall school-age population. Data from state agencies shows that charter schools have added more than 500,000 students, representing a 15% increase since 2019. In contrast, traditional district schools have seen their enrollment drop by nearly 2 million students, or about 4.4%, during the same period.
The rise in charter school enrollment was especially notable during the pandemic. This trend has persisted even as other educational alternatives, such as Education Savings Account (ESA) programs, have become more widely available. The data indicates that families are increasingly seeking options and expect high-quality public education.
"Today, families expect choices and they expect excellent public schools. Charter schools deliver."
More information can be found in the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools' 2025 Enrollment Report.
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