Number of US Charter Schools Grows by 9 Percent in 2010

Good to see charter schools continuing to expand (assuming they're of high quality, of course).  Here's an update from The Center for Education Reform:

Number of US Charter Schools Grows by 9 Percent in 2010 
5,453 charter schools around the US educate more than 1.7 million students

WASHINGTON, DC - With Americans focused on the political future of the country in the wake of recent mid-term elections, new research by The Center for Education Reform today revealed that the number of US charter schools grew by 9 percent in 2010. As of today, 5,453 schools now serve the families of more than 1.7 million American students.

From the very first charter school's doors opening in 1993 to just over 1,600 only ten years ago to well over 5,000 schools today, charters have taken root in 39 states and the District of Columbia, providing parents and students with strong options to their traditionally assigned public schools.

"Despite laws in many states that are specifically designed to hinder the creation of charter schools, new and more personalized options for children continue to increase year after year," said Jeanne Allen, President of The Center for Education Reform. "For almost two million kids, charter schools offer a learning environment they crave and the singular focus on student achievement – and success – they need. Given high parental demand and the academic success of charter schools, states should look to create a more favorable atmosphere for the creation of these schools."

Continuously throughout each year, the Center for Education Reform tracks the creation of new charter schools and marks the closing of others, working directly with schools, organizations and states to determine accurate numbers not only for schools themselves, but for their student populations as well, providing the public with the most up-to-date information possible.

"The bright spotlight of Hollywood and the mainstream media has shown the country that too often, our kids are left waiting for some way out of a broken, one-size-fits-all approach to their education and future," Allen said. "Charter schools offer teachers, administrators and parents an innovative way to break that cycle and rescue our kids from falling further behind."