Arkansas Public School Resource Center Celebrates National Charter Schools Week
This National Charter Schools Week, the Arkansas Public School Resource Center (APSRC) proudly recognizes the impact and importance of public charter schools across Arkansas and the nation. Charter schools are always public, always free, and always open to all students, providing families with accessible, high-quality educational options that meet a wide range of needs. The following data and insights are from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools:
Charter schools are always public, always free, and always open to all students.
Charter schools are an important part of the American education landscape serving nearly 4 million students.
There are 251,000 dedicated charter school teachers working in 8,140 schools and campuses nationwide.
All students and families deserve access to a high-quality public education.
74% of school parents support / favor charter schools. Parents are nearly three times as likely to support charter schools than oppose them. (EdChoice Polling, 2025)
Charter school enrollment has increased by over half a million over the last six years.
Charter school enrollment continues to rise nationwide, even as the overall school-age population has declined.
Charter schools added more than 110,000 students in the 2024-25 school year alone. (National Alliance, 2025 enrollment report)
Charter schools are a vital part of the public education landscape. Public charter schools serve 3.8 million learners, and nearly 70% are students of color.
Charter school teaching staff reflects the diversity of charter students. Nearly one in three charter school teachers and school leaders are educators of color. (National Center for Education Statistics, 2021)
Charter educators support students from all backgrounds – setting high expectations on their path to academic and life success.
Charter schools emphasize real-world, hands-on skills and learning opportunities.
Through responsive education models, charter schools help communities meet a strong and growing demand for CTE programming while addressing the persistent shortage of skilled workers nationwide.
Across the country, there are great examples of charter schools that respond in real time to industry demands, often working with higher education and local businesses to help students graduate with meaningful credentials.
The Charter Schools Program (CSP) is the only source of federal funding for start-up, replication, and facilities for public charter schools.
There are three bills before Congress to increase the effectiveness and flexibility of the CSP – all without spending a dime of new money.
The Fostering Learning and Excellence in Charter Schools (FLEX) Actensures the CSP stays aligned to changing needs – now, and as charter school enrollment grows to serve more students nationwide each year.
The Empower Charter School Educators to Lead Actenables more educators to dedicate the time and resources needed to launch schools that reflect their communities’ needs.
As we celebrate National Charter Schools Week, APSRC honors the educators, students, and families who contribute to the success of charter schools and remains committed to supporting their continued growth and excellence across Arkansas.
For information about APSRC Charter Services, please visit Charter Services https://www.apsrc.net/charter-services— APSRC.