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Charter Schools—Their Numbers and Enrollment
June 2009
The number of charter schools in California has increased steadily since 1992, when California first authorized charter schools.
By the 2007-08 school year, 688 charter schools operated throughout the state, representing 7% of all public schools. That year, charter schools enrolled 4% of the state's students. In absolute numbers, California has the most charter schools and students in the country.
Number of charter schools over time
| Academic Year | 1999-00 | 2001-02 | 2003-04 | 2005-06 | 2007-08 |
| Enrollment* | 98,355 |
132,486 | 167,422 |
202,683 | 252,645 |
| Percent of State's Enrollment | 1.7% | 2.2% | 2.7% | 3.2% | 4.0% |
* Enrollment data are not available for a few schools each year.
Data: California Department of Education (CDE)
EdSource 6/09
