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This fall, Arizona celebrates its 25th anniversary of public charter schools and a movement built on a simple concept: Parents know best when it comes to choosing the right school for their children.

In 1994, Arizona became just the second state in the nation to enact a charter school law. The following year, in 1995, 67 public charter schools opened with a combined enrollment of fewer than 8,000 students.

A quarter-century later, more than 200,000 Arizona students return to class this fall at one of approximately 550 public charter schools across the state. The students are as unique and diverse as the schools they attend. Arizona charter schools educate a majority-minority enrollment, with 56% of charter students identifying as non-White.

Here is a statement from Jake Logan, President & CEO, Arizona Charter Schools Association:

“We congratulate Governor Ducey, House Speaker Bowers, Senate President Fann and legislators for their completion of the Fiscal 2020 State budget and adjournment of the regular session. The Governor and policymakers prioritized K-12 education, which will benefit Arizona teachers and students. We look forward to continuing to work with our elected officials on behalf of Arizona students and families. Thank you Governor Ducey, all 90 legislators, and their staff for their tireless work for our state!”

Phoenix (May 12, 2019) – Arizona is excited to join students, families, educators and supporters across the country in celebrating National Charter Schools Week.

In accordance with the national annual event, Gov. Doug Ducey has proclaimed the week of May 12-18 Arizona Charter Schools Week to recognize the important role of public charter schools in expanding high-quality education options for all students.

According to a 2018 EdChoice survey, 61 percent of Americans support public charter schools. That support is evident in Arizona, where charter enrollment has doubled in the last decade alone. Today, Arizona’s public charter schools serve a record 200,000 students across 554 schools.

Phoenix (May 6, 2019) – The Arizona Charter Schools Association is proud to join our schools and educators across the country in celebrating National Teacher Appreciation Week, honoring more than 11,300 charter school teachers who drive academic success in Arizona classrooms.

Record enrollment underscores growing demand for high-quality public education options

Phoenix (April 9, 2019) – Arizona’s public charter schools have reached a significant milestone with enrollment surpassing 200,000 students for the first time since charters opened 25 years ago.

Public charter school enrollment increased by 6 percent from 2017-18 to 2018-19, with charter students now comprising 18 percent of Arizona’s public school population. This growth continues a trend of charter enrollment that has doubled in the last decade. There are now charter schools in every legislative district and, in some cities, charter school students make up about half of public school enrollment. Additionally, Arizona’s public charter schools serve a majority-minority student population, with 56 percent of Arizona charter students identifying in racial and ethnic groups other than white. This is consistent with statewide enrollment trends.