The scores released today from the National Assessment for Educational Progress show charter students significantly outperforming district and private school peers across the state.
The results show significant gains over the last eight years, with public charter students outperforming their district and private school peers in every grade level and on every subject tested. This trend is most evident in the scores for eighth-grade reading and math. When separated and measured as if they were their own state, Arizona charter students rank first in the nation in eighth-grade math, and second for eighth-grade reading.
“These results reinforce what thousands of Arizona parents, families, educators and school choice champions have known for years: when it comes to academic performance, Arizona’s public charter school students are setting the pace,” said Eileen B. Sigmund, Arizona Charter Schools Association President and CEO.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress, known as the Nations Report Card, is the only national look at academic achievement across states.
“While there will always be room for improvement when it comes to educating our students, these NAEP scores are further validation that Arizona charter schools are raising the bar and improving public education statewide,” said Sigmund.
About Public Charter Schools
Arizona is home to 556 charter schools serving about 180,500 students. That’s nearly 30 percent of Arizona’s public schools. Signed into law in 1994, Arizona’s charter schools are public schools that are innovative while still being held accountable for improved student achievement.
By the Numbers
Below is the rank of Arizona students combined and broken out by charter students and the corresponding bar graphs.
