Back-to- School Alert 2000
1^st in a series from CER

Charter School Ranks Swell;
Schools and Attendance Above Former Projections

(Washington, DC, 8/17/00) The story is simple: Today the Center for Education Reform released figures showing that 518,609 children will be attending charter schools this fall, up 19 1/2 % percent since the Spring. Overall 2,069 charter schools are open -- while CER expects these numbers to be slightly different once school starts and districts report changes. In addition, many school districts that have the authority to charter may not report their numbers until later this year.

        Not only are more children involved in this burgeoning reform effort, but more parents and teachers are affected by charter schools than ever before, said CER President Jeanne Allen." This welcome growth is a sign of the continued acceptance and appreciation of parents and the community for new and different kinds of schools and the benefits of school choice."

        Recent reports about charter schools have been positive, and in states like Florida charter schools have boasted 36% gains serving 44% more students; in New York the amount of charter schools have quadrupled and will serve more than double the students.

        Below are the official projections for the 2000-01 school year.

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Click here to get the state-by-state totals and latest nationwide charter school stats.

The Center for Education Reform [CER] is a national, independent, non-profit advocacy organization providing support and guidance to individuals, community and civic groups, policymakers and others who are working to bring fundamental reforms to their schools. For additional information on education reform please call CER at (202) 822-9000.

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