Charter schools dividing communities rapidly in more U.S. cities
Charter schools now enroll more than 20 percent of public school children in 25 school districts across the country, according to a new report from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, which tracks charter school growth annually.
In only one community, New Orleans, did charters serve more than half of the public school children last year. But the data suggests that within the next few years charters will likely educate a majority of students in other communities as well. For instance, charters enrolled 41 percent of students in both Detroit Public Schools and the District of Columbia Public Schools in 2011-12. Seven other communities experienced a more than 25 percent growth in charter school enrollment between 2010 and 2011.
Students at Akili Academy, a charter school in New Orleans. (Photo by Sarah Garland)
Overall, charters enrolled more than two million students in 41 states and the District of Columbia during the 2011-12 school year; that amounts to about 5 percent of public school enrollment nationally.In only one community, New Orleans, did charters serve more than half of the public school children last year. But the data suggests that within the next few years charters will likely educate a majority of students in other communities as well. For instance, charters enrolled 41 percent of students in both Detroit Public Schools and the District of Columbia Public Schools in 2011-12. Seven other communities experienced a more than 25 percent growth in charter school enrollment between 2010 and 2011.