2011 - 2012 D.C. Public School Enrollment Audit Complete
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Current enrollment in public schools (District of Columbia Public Schools and Public Charter Schools) is up 2% (1,767) from last year, to 76,753, and numbers have been steadily increasing over the past three years, according to audited data by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education.
"The new enrollment numbers clearly show that parents have confidence in District schools," said Mayor Vincent C. Gray. "I am hopeful that as we continue to make improvements in our schools, the numbers will continue to grow."
A summary of the trends for 2011 is as follows:
· Categories that saw notable increases were Pre-Kindergarten ages 3 and 4 (13%), Kindergarten (6%) and grades 1-3 (4%).
· Public Charter School enrollment increased by 8%, from 29,356 to 31,562 (2,206 students) and saw the greatest increases overall in the Pre-Kindergarten ages 3 and 4 categories (24%).
· DCPS enrollment had a slight decrease of 1%, from 45,630 to 45,191 (439 students).
"States across the country look at early childhood enrollment numbers to determine future trends and to gauge the trust parents have in their school system," added Hosanna Mahaley, state superintendent of education. "Our amazing growth in the early grades and Pre-Kindergarten is a testament to the work of our school leaders, as well as the mayor's relentless early childhood efforts."
"This year's enrollment increase will no doubt become a driving force for continuous and permanent progress."
