Officials for D.C.’s public and charter school systems announced this week that student enrollment has increased for the seventh straight year.
While enrollment for 2015-16 grew by a total of 1,761 students for District of Columbia Public Schools and Public Charter schools, a combined total of 87,749 students for both systems was reported in preliminary figures released Tuesday by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education.
“Increased student enrollment underscores what we know is true — more and more families are confident in our schools,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “The District has the fastest improving urban school district in the nation and our charters are a model for other jurisdictions. I am proud of the progress we have made delivering quality education for our young people. Together we will continue to build pathways to the middle class for residents — and that begins with every young person having access to a quality education.”
Though the final enrollment numbers won’t be published until February, the unaudited figures show student enrollment in both sectors increased slightly more than two percent, from 47,663 to 48,653 at DCPS, while public charter schools increased from 38,325 to 39,096.
“Steady growth at DCPS and in public charter schools is a testament to the hard work of the District’s educators and school leaders,” said state Superintendent Hanseul Kang. “We look forward to continuing this enrollment trend as we improve academic opportunities, student performance and graduation rates at public schools throughout the District.”