The number of students enrolled in public schools in Washington, DC was 98,594 in SY2023-24. After decades of decline, public school enrollment (DCPS and public charter schools) began increasing annually starting in SY2009-10. Between SY2008-09 and SY2019-20, public school enrollment increased by 33% or 23,242 more public school students during the time period. In SY2020-21, the first school year affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, enrollment declined to 93,747. Enrollment increased slightly to 93,807 in SY2021-22, the second year affected by the pandemic, and has since increased post pandemic reaching the highest enrollment during the time period SY1990-91 through SY2023-24.
Total Public School Audited Enrollment, SY1990-91 through SY2023-24
Between SY2010-11 and SY2018-19, public charter school enrollment steadily increased. In SY2019-20, the public charter sector decreased slightly and has since continued its upward annual trend thereafter, even during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In SY2023-24, public charter schools enrolled 48% of the total public school population. DCPS enrollment peaked in SY2019-20 and, after declining for two years during the pandemic, increased in SY2022-23 and SY2023-24 surpassing its previously highest enrollment.
Total Public School Audited Enrollment by Sector, SY2010-11 through SY2023-24
Source: OSSE Audited Enrollment
