Today, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) announced that enrollment in public and public charter schools increased to 96,523 students in the 2022-23 school year, an additional 2,589 students, or a 2.85 percentage point increase, over the previous school year. These enrollment figures represent the final, audited numbers. Unaudited numbers were released in November 2022.

“These year-to-year increases in public school enrollment are confirmation and validation that the investments we are making and the work we are doing to provide students a high-quality education in the District of Columbia are paying off with more families choosing our schools each year,” said State Superintendent Dr. Christina Grant. “Students in all eight wards have amazing schools that engage their interests, challenge them academically and put them on a pathway to success in college and careers.”

Enrollment in DC Public Schools (DCPS) increased from 49,035 to 50,131 students, a 2.24 percentage point increase over the previous school year. Enrollment in DC’s public charter schools increased from 44,890 to 46,392 students, a 3.35 percentage point increase over the previous school year. The chart below tracks enrollment trends since 2007 with final, audited numbers for the 2022-23 school year.

“From early childhood education through high school and adult education, the District of Columbia offers families a wealth of outstanding schools and programs staffed by talented and caring educators,” said Superintendent Grant. “DC families recognize quality; they see the work we are doing to ensure our young learners have access to an excellent education, and we’re pleased to see them enrolling in greater numbers each year.”

Background on the District’s Audit of Student Enrollment

As the state education agency, OSSE is responsible for contracting with an independent auditor to conduct an annual audit of the student enrollment data submitted by local education agencies (LEAs) in the District. In the first week of October, auditors contracted by OSSE launch an audit of public school enrollment in the District of Columbia that includes a review of student enrollment documentation submitted by LEAs.

part of the annual process, LEAs resolve any anomalies found in enrollment documents and are offered the opportunity to appeal the results of the audit as they relate to their schools. Once all documents and appeals are reviewed and resolved, OSSE releases final, official enrollment numbers to LEAs.

For additional resources regarding the District of Columbia 2022-23 school year student enrollment audit, as well as information about past enrollment audits, visit the OSSE website at osse.dc.gov.