Based on preliminary un-audited data, current enrollment in DC public schools (District of Columbia Public Schools and Public Charter Schools) is up 4% from last year to 78,200, and numbers have been steadily increasing over the past three years—a 2% increase in 2009 and a 3.6% increase in 2010. In 2011 DCPS enrollment increased by 1%, from 45,631 to 46,191 (560 students), and PCS enrollment increased by 9%, from 29,366 to 32,009 (2,643 students).

Expanded data tables of un-audited enrollment figures are available.

 “After a decade of enrollment decreases in the District’s public school system, I think we can finally say that we have turned the corner and we are now seeing a very positive upward trend when it comes to enrollment,” said Mayor Vincent C. Gray. “These numbers represent more than a renewed trust and confidence in our public school system, it also reflects great improvements that have been made in recent years--educational as well as capital--combined with the great job our principals and teachers are doing in classrooms and schools across the District every day,” added the Mayor.

 “Although these numbers are not final and cannot be certified until we finish our formal audit, I think the Mayor’s focus on the importance of Pre-K education is reaching our parents, as our initial numbers indicate the largest area of increase is coming from Pre-K levels,” said Hosanna Mahaley, State Superintendent of Education.

 Actual audited enrollment numbers will be published by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) by the end of January 2012.