Demographics

Washington’s charter public schools are free and open to all students and do not have special eligibility or entrance requirements. They are built on the belief that every student, regardless of zip code, family income, or ability, should have the chance to go to a great public school where they are known and seen, and where their needs are met,  If more students want to attend a specific charter school than there are spaces available, enrollment is determined by a random lottery (note: by law, charter public school lotteries can be weighted to give preference to students from low-income families).

Washington’s charter public schools attract higher percentages of families and teachers identifying as members of the Global Majority – that is, Black, Brown, Indigenous, Asian, and People of color – as compared to statewide averages.

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Who are Washington’s charter public schools attracting and serving?

  • In 2021-22, there are 17 charter public schools operating, serving more than 4,700 students statewide.
  • 62 percent identify as Global Majority, as compared to 50 percent statewide
  • 54 percent come from low-income households, as compared to 46 percent statewide
  • Washington charter public school teachers are more representative of student demographics, as compared to traditional public schools statewide. 37 percent charter public school teachers are from the Global Majority, almost three times the 13 percent of Global Majority teachers in traditional public schools statewide.
  • Across the charter public school sector, there is a 70 percent overall teacher retention rate. This is even higher – 84 percent – for teachers of the Global Majority.
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