Charters Accelerate African American Student Achievement

A new report issued by the California Charter Schools Association found that charter schools are accelerating the achievement of African American students.

"What this report shows is that African American students are experiencing better outcomes in charters, and that as laboratories of innovation, California's highly effective charter public schools can demonstrate proven paths to success that should be replicated nationally," said Dr. Aisha Toney, Director of Research, CCSA.

Among the report's findings:

African American parents are choosing charter schools in high numbers.

African American students make up 6% of students statewide, but 9% of students in charter public schools. In some communities, African Americans are twice as likely to enroll in a charter than a traditional public school.

Charter schools are helping to close the achievement gap.

Charter schools serving African American students are realizing better outcomes compared to traditional public schools. While charters make up only 9% of schools statewide, they represent 39% of highly effective schools for African American students.

The study also looked at three schools that are doing a phenomenal job of serving African American students.

Get to know the schools:
- Watts Learning Center in Los Angeles
- KIPP Bridge in Oakland
- PS7 in Sacramento

Read the full report.

Download a fact sheet to share with others.