March 29, 2010, 3 a.m. - D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and State Superintendent Kerri Briggs released the 2009-2010 student enrollment count for the District of Columbia’s Public Schools.   

As of Oct. 5, 2009, the final audited student enrollment count for the District of Columbia Public Schools and public charter schools in school year 2009-2010 was 72,711 students compared to 71,280 students last year, a difference of 1,431 or a 2-percent increase.   

“This is an exciting time for District public schools,” said Fenty. “We’re seeing amazing increases in achievement gains, and now more District families are opting for public schools. Our children deserve the very best education the city can provide, and this administration is working hard as humanly possible to transform the District’s public schools into a world class school system.” 

This is the ninth year that the Office of the State Superintendent of Education has conducted a census-type audit of student enrollment.  The audit, which is required under D.C. Code, serves as the official enrollment count for all public schools in the District of Columbia.  

“With the increased scores in both reading and math, DC schools are a great option for parents,” said Briggs. ”It's great to see the hard work of teachers and school leaders translating into higher enrollment.” 

After years of enrollment decline, DCPS has turned the tide on enrollment loss.  After annual losses of 5 percent in 2007, 8 percent in 2008 and another 8 percent in 2009, this year’s enrollment shows less than a 1-percent loss from last year. The Administration projects that it could see its first increase since 1971 next school year.  

Approximately 27,660 students at public charter schools were enrolled in pre-school through grade 12 and adult education programs compared to 25,729 last year.

District Schools Outpace Nation on 2009 NAEP Reading

Fenty, joined by Chancellor of District of Columbia Public Schools Michelle Rhee and State Superintendent of Education Kerri Briggs, announced today that District 4th graders achieved the largest increase nationwide on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress Reading. Students in District public schools led the nation with a 5 point increase in 4th grade reading, while the national average was unchanged. 

“Our teachers, administrators, and most of all, our students, have worked hard to improve performance in reading and mathematics,” said Fenty.  “As students build skills in these areas, they develop a strong foundation for future achievement in school and at work.”

The District was one of only three jurisdictions, with Rhode Island and Kentucky, where 4^th grade scores rose from 2007 to 2009.  More DC students performed at or above "basic" levels than at any time since the NAEP was first administered in either grade – 44 percent in 4th grade and 50 percent in 8th grade. Results of the 2009 NAEP Reading, like the 2009 NAEP Mathematics, provide early and positive feedback on the District-wide school reform effort initiated in 2007. 

"Reading is the foundation of learning; the academic progress of District students is a clear reflection of their hard work and their desire and ability to grow," said Chancellor Rhee.  "We continue to stand in awe of our 4th graders who have again outpaced the nation in growth --and their teachers who have led the students to this accomplishment."

In the District, over 1,800 students in the 4^th grade, or about 40 percent, and over 1600 students in the 8th grade, or about 34 percent, took the NAEP reading test.