Washington, DC exemplifies how charter schools can help improve student achievement, according to results from the most recent DC-CAS, the city’s standardized test. On these tests, charter school students showed their highest proficiency rates yet, increasing by 3.9% from last year. They continue to perform above statewide averages in both reading and math.
Broken down by different subgroups like racial minorities, economically disadvantaged students, special education students and English language learners, all students in these groups have made achievements gains in the nation’s capital. In fact, charters in DC have helped to close the achievement gap – as racial and ethnic minorities are now above 50% proficiency in reading and math for the first time ever.