FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OSSE Contact: Marc Caposino, 202-727-7207
Wednesday, October 25, 2012
(WASHINGTON, DC) -- Student enrollment in the District of Columbia increased 5 percent for the 2012-2013 school year, according to preliminary unaudited data released today by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Early results indicate an overall increase from 76,782 last year to 80,823 students enrolled statewide – a four year high – and represent both D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) and D.C. Public Charter Schools (PCS).
•2 percent increase in 2009-10,
•3.6 percent increase in 2010-11,
•4 percent increase in 2011-12,
•and a 5 percent increase in 2012-13.
This year, DCPS enrollment increased by 1 percent, from 45,191 to 45,835 (644 students), and PCS enrollment increased by 11 percent, from 31,562 to 35,019 (3,457 students).
“One of the strongest indicators that our school system is improving is a steady increase in enrollment numbers – an increase I’m proud to see we have once again achieved,” said Mayor Vincent C. Gray. “This marks the largest enrollment increase in the District’s public schools in 45 years.”
“Although these numbers are not final and cannot be certified until we finish our formal audit, I believe this year is a testament to the efforts underway at every level of education in the District of Columbia—from early learning to adult and technical training,” added State Superintendent Hosanna Mahaley Jones, noting that OSSE held working sessions with Local Education Agency (LEA) staffs and initiated its enrollment-audit process two months earlier than the previous year to develop an enrollment-audit handbook and promote higher levels of transparency.
“We have completely retooled and improved the enrollment-audit process for the District, and our education professionals are creating a direct line for students that begins with Pre-K education and ends with an improved standard of living for D.C. residents and families alike.”
In addition to providing interactive trainings on how to properly administer an enrollment audit and accurately submit student census data, OSSE also introduced new processes to mitigate and resolve enrollment data discrepancies while meeting agency deadlines, including a new tool allowing LEAs access to each school’s daily enrollment status.
OSSE has contracted with F.S. Taylor & Associates (FSTA) to conduct the general education enrollment audit for the District of Columbia this year. FSTA is a full-service accounting firm providing professional accounting, auditing, and advisory services in the District of Columbia since 1980. OSSE will publish audited enrollment numbers after this year’s audit is complete.
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