N.O. leads nation in percentage of public school students enrolled in charter schools
New Orleans, LA – The market share of public school students enrolled in charter schools continues to grow, with New Orleans remaining at the top of the list for the fourth year in a row according to a study released Thursday by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. In 2009, the market share of charter school students increased to 57 percent from last year's report of 55 percent. The 2009 school year brought about the opening of four new charter schools in New Orleans.
"It comes as no surprise that New Orleans is, again, at the top of this annual report. New Orleans has embraced charter schools as a public educationreform solution and parents have recognized the importance of choice in public education. As the charter schools in New Orleans continue to provide more quality public education options for parents, these numbers will continue to grow," said Caroline Roemer Shirley, executive director of the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools.
The share of students in New Orleans is expected to grow as last month five Type 5 applicants were approved for operation in New Orleans for the upcoming school year. Louisiana has 77 charter schools statewide, and 51 of those schools are located in New Orleans, where they serve approximately 30,000 students. The second-highest market share reported was in Washington, D.C. with 37 percent of public schools students attending charter schools.
Nationally, the report indicates strong growth, with the highest demand in urban areas, although there has been growth in suburban areas as well. The "Top 10" largest market share public charter school communities (including ties) are: New Orleans, LA (57%); Washington, D.C. (36%); Detroit, MI (32%); Kansas City, MO (29%); Dayton, OH (27%); Youngstown, OH (26%); St. Louis, MO (25%); Flint, MI (24%); Gary, IN (23%); Phoenix, AZ (22%); and Minneapolis, MN (22%).
About Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools
The Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools (LAPCS) is a 501c3 non profit organization whose mission is to increase student achievement by supporting, promoting, and advocating for the quality charter school movement.