Yesterday we released our annual market share report. To compile the list of school districts with the highest market share, we collected public school enrollment data to find districts where the largest proportions of students are attending public charter schools.
New Orleans Remains Number One in Market Share: An astounding 76 percent of public school students in New Orleans attended public charter schools in the 2011-2012 school year. Not only are charters in New Orleans serving a higher percentage of public school students than anywhere else in the nation, they are also the highest performing sector of public schools in the city. Even more impressive, New Orleans charter schools are approaching the average state achievement levels in Louisiana, an accomplishment rarely achieved by urban public schools.
District of Columbia and Detroit Tied for Second in Market Share: For the past four years, charter schools in the District of Columbia held the second spot for largest charter school market share nationwide. In the 2011-2012 school year, D.C. shared that spot with Detroit Public Schools. However, D.C. may pull ahead again in 2012-2013, with early indicators of charter enrollment rising to 35,000 students.
Eight New School Districts Join the Ranks of Top Market Share: Eight school districts that were not on the list for top market share percentage in the last report made it onto the list for 2011-2012. The districts included: San Antonio, Indianapolis, Roosevelt, Ariz., Adams County 50, Colo., Grand Rapids, Mich., Philadelphia, Milwaukee, and Phoenix Union High, Ariz.
Seven School Districts Reach at Least 30 Percent Market Share: For the 2011-2012 academic year, St. Louis (31 percent) joined New Orleans (76 percent), Detroit (41 percent), District of Columbia (41 percent), Kansas City, Mo. (37 percent), Flint, Mich., (33 percent) and Gary, Ind. (31 percent) with at least 30 percent of public school students enrolled in public charter schools. However, with the closure of the Imagine charter schools in St. Louis after the 2011-2012 school year, it is unlikely that St. Louis will stay on the list in the next report.
