Total public school enrollment over time steadily increased until SY2019-20, dipped slightly during the pandemic years, and has increased again over the past three school years. Enrollment at DCPS schools followed the same overall citywide trend. Public charter enrollment dipped slightly in SY2019-20 and then has increased annually thereafter even during the pandemic years due to a number of the public charter schools growing each year to their full grade span.
In SY2024-25, total enrollment in public schools was greatest in Ward 5, Wards 4, and 8. By sector, enrollment in DCPS schools was greatest in Ward 4, followed by Wards 3 and 8. Enrollment in public charter schools is greatest in Wards 5 and 8. Ward 3 has the lowest enrollment for public charter schools, where only one school operates, followed by Ward 6. DCPS enrollment is lowest in Ward 2.
Public School Enrollment by Ward (2022), SY2013-14 to SY2024-25
Source: OSSE Audited Enrollment, SY2013-14 to SY24-25
Users can view public school enrollment by sector for specific geographies for each school year. The map can be filtered by ward, Comprehensive Plan planning area, DCPS high school boundaries, and neighborhood clusters. Enrollment numbers can be further disaggregated by grade bands. In addition, specific school facilities can be shown on the map. See the downloadable file and the Enrollment Trends of Specific Public Schools page for more detailed information about specific schools.
Public School Enrollment by Geographies and Grade Bands, SY13-14 to SY24-25
Source: OSSE Audited Enrollment, SY2013-14 to SY2024-25
