IMPACT & DATA
Public charter schools are an important
part of the education landscape
Free, open to all, and built to serve different communities and needs.
Explore the data behind Washington’s public charter schools.
What are public charter schools?
Public charter schools are an important part of the Washington state education landscape. First authorized by Initiative 1240, passed by voters in November 2012, Washington’s charter public schools opened their doors in 2014 with a clear mission to serve students who needed something different. Today, 15 public charter schools serve over 4,000 students.
Public charter schools offer a different kind of public education
Diverse School Models
Extended & Flexible Learning Time
Identity-Affirming & Community-Rooted
Small Class Sizes
Accountable to Results
FIND WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR
For families
Find a school, explore enrollment, and learn what makes charter public schools different.
For lawmakers & media
Data, fact sheets, district-level breakdowns, and press resources.
School dashboards
Enrollment, demographics, and outcomes data for each charter public school.
public charter schools statewide
students enrolled
years serving WA families
BIPOC teachers vs. statewide average
WHO WE SERVE
Built for students who need it most
Washington’s public charter schools serve higher rates of students of color, low-income students, and English learners.
RECOGNITION
IMPACT PUBLIC SCHOOLS - PUGET SOUND ELEMENTARY
for growth among racial or ethnic student groups
RAINIER PREP
for growth among racial or ethnic student groups and students receiving special education
ROOTED SCHOOL VANCOUVER
for growth among low-income students
TOP 16% STATEWIDE
Three Washington public charter schools earned 2024-25 state recognition for student growth among historically underserved student groups. The recognition placed them in the top 16% statewide in the applicable growth measures.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Rigorous approval process
Schools must demonstrate quality before opening and meet a high bar to operate.
Reauthorized every 5 years
Schools must prove ongoing success or face closure—the highest form of accountability.
Full public oversight
Overseen by a local school district or the state commission.
Accountable to families
Families choose charter schools—and can leave.
From our Community
“I became an advocate for charter public schools — which I believe provide a great complement to traditional public schools, especially for students of color.”
Eric Pettigrew, Former WA State Representative D-37
“The State Board of Education recommends reopening the window to authorize more charters. The Seattle Times editorial board agrees. If they are running lean, and students who suffered in traditional schools are doing better in charters, Washington owes it to families to provide their kids a similar chance to thrive.”
The Seattle Times editorial board
“Washington’s charter public schools offer mentorship and mental health support, which has been a lifeline for students and families like mine.”
Taryn Major, Impact | Commencement Bay Elementary parent
“I don't just WANT it to be solved; I NEED it to be solved. I believe my public school should have the same advantages as other district schools.”
Betzy Espinoza, 8th grade student at Pinnacles Prep
“As we reflect on this school year, what we’re most proud of is watching our daughter continue to grow into herself as a proud Black girl in an environment where diversity is celebrated.”
Acacia Corson and James Porter, Impact | Black River Elementary parents
RESOURCES
Download the data
2024 Game Changers Report
How Washington’s Charter Public Schools Produce Exceptional Results for Underserved Students.
Accountability one-pager
How public charter schools are approved, overseen, and held to results-based standards.
2026 Charter Schools Report
Annual report on the performance of charter schools in Washington, completed by the Washington State Board of Education.