Trump administration celebrates National Charter Schools Week
The Trump administration issued a proclamation May 12 celebrating National Charter Schools Week during the week of May 11-17. The move comes on the heels of several recent actions by the administration to expand school choice and reduce the footprint of federal public education bureaucracy.
“Since the first American public charter school opened in 1992, charter schools have provided children — especially those in low-income and urban areas — with the opportunity to grow, succeed, and fulfill their God-given potential, regardless of their zip code or financial situation,” the proclamation reads. “Today, there are more than 8,000 operational charter schools in America empowering parents to pursue the right educational fit for their children. Charter school students are outperforming their peers in math and reading—and in the overwhelming majority of states, charter school enrollment growth is exceeding school-aged population growth.”
The proclamation concluded, “This National Charter Schools Week, we celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of charter school students, parents, teachers, and advocates. We renew our pledge to support freedom in education in all its forms, whether through homeschooling or charter, public, or religious schools. Above all, we remember that great schools are the gateway to a great, hopeful, and prosperous American future.”
Recent data show that public charters remain the fastest growing segment of K-12 education in North Carolina. State government data from 2024 showed around a 5% increase in charter enrollments since the prior year, in contrast to an enrollment decline of 0.4% for district schools. Around 85,551 students were waitlisted for charters during the 2023-2024 school year.
If all 10 new charter schools open for the upcoming school year as planned, 218 charters will exist across the state, according to the Office of Charter Schools. Around 150,000 students are served by these schools.
The NC Coalition for Charter Schools is using this week to shine a spotlight on innovative charter leaders, including Dr. Sarena Fuller, whose mission incorporates an arts-infused curriculum and a focus on addressing community-specific needs.
In March, Trump issued an executive order to significantly reduce the size and influence of the US Department of Education. While not fully dissolving the agency, the order shifts many responsibilities to the states, aiming to reduce federal bureaucracy. The order prohibits federally funded programs from promoting “gender ideology” or diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
Another executive order, this one from January, directs federal agencies, including the Departments of Education, Labor, Defense, and Health and Human Services, to redirect funds to support K-12 school choice initiatives. This includes expanding access to private and faith-based education for low-income families and military families.
“Trump administration celebrates National Charter Schools Week” was originally published on www.carolinajournal.com.
