Mayor Bowser Highlights Continued Growth in Public School Enrollment Ahead of 2024 EdFEST

(Washington, DC) - Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) announced that total enrollment in public schools across the District of Columbia has increased for the third consecutive year, with both DC Public Schools (DCPS) and public charter schools seeing the highest enrollment totals since OSSE began compiling public school enrollment data in 2007.

Preliminary, unaudited numbers show enrollment for the 2024-25 school year at 99,770 students, an increase of 1,121 students citywide, or 1.1%, from the 2023-24 school year. As part of today's announcement, Mayor Bowser reminded families to attend this year's EdFEST, DC's annual public school fairs, which will be held in person in early December ahead of the My School DC lottery application period, opening on Monday, December 16.

"Our city has made historic investments in education, because when we invest in our students, we invest in the future of the District," said Mayor Bowser. "We know we have great people in our schools, we have great programs, and when families see and experience that, then they trust us with their children. I encourage DC families to attend this year's EdFEST to explore their school options, talk to school representatives, and prepare for the opening of the My School DC lottery application on December 16."

According to data compiled by OSSE, total preliminary enrollment expanded by 1.1% districtwide. DCPS recorded a 1.4% increase-a total of 743 students-while public charter schools saw a gain of 0.44%-a total of 208 students. Overall, public and public charter school enrollment in the District has increased by 14.2% in the last decade.

"Schools across the District offer a wide range of innovative programs that not only meet the needs of our students but get them excited about learning," said Interim Superintendent Dr. Antoinette S. Mitchell. "We are committed to continuing this momentum and ensuring that every student in DC has access to a high-quality education."

As the District's state education agency, OSSE conducts an annual enrollment audit of public schools to ensure accuracy and transparency. The preliminary numbers below are based on a snapshot of data certified by local education agencies in October 2024. This marks the beginning of an enrollment audit and certification process that takes several months and is conducted in collaboration with an independent auditor. The chart below tracks enrollment trends since 2007 with preliminary unaudited numbers for the 2024-25 school year. Final, audited enrollment figures will be published by OSSE in early 2025.

Preliminary Enrollment Numbers for School Year 2024-25 and Public School Enrollment Since 2007

*Note: State-level enrollment subtotal does not equal DCPS + Charter totals due to student duplications. Duplications have been removed from the state level numbers but may still exist at the sector level in these preliminary, unaudited figures. Students enrolled in non-public placements (n=502) are not included in the counts above.
**These figures represent preliminary data. Final audited enrollment figures will be published by OSSE in early 2025.

Ahead of the 2025-26 school year lottery application period, this year's EdFEST will once again be offered as two events, both designed to provide families more focused school options and education services for their needs. EdFEST for students entering grades 9 through 12 will take place Saturday, December 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Eastern High School. EdFEST for students entering pre-K 3 through grade 8 is on Saturday, December 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at DC Armory. Admission is free, but event registration is required. Families can register for EdFEST at myschooldc.org/events/edfest.

There are several ways families can get to EdFEST. Free parking is available at DC Armory Lots 1, 2, and 3. The closest Metro station is Stadium-Armory on the blue, orange, or silver lines. Families can also use the Metrobus via routes B2, D6, and 96. An Uber discount code (donated via Education Forward DC) will also be sent to all who register for the events.

EdFEST 2024 offers more than just school information-it connects families with valuable resources. Attendees can:

• Meet representatives from public and public charter schools participating in the My School DC lottery.
• Speak with My School DC staff and Parent Advisory Council members about the lottery process.
• Access interpretation services in multiple languages, including Spanish, Amharic, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and French.
• Receive flu, COVID-19, and routine childhood vaccinations (appointments can be made during registration).
• Enjoy free meals for youth at the pre-K 3 through grade 8 EdFEST while supplies last.

"EdFEST 2024 offers a unique opportunity for families to explore the many public and public charter school options in the District and to meet representatives from the wide array of schools and educational campuses that participate in the lottery," said State Superintendent Mitchell. "We're committed to ensuring DC families have the resources and information they need to make the best choices for their child's academic journey. I encourage families to take full advantage of these events."

On social media, use #EdFEST24 and tag @MySchoolDC on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. For more information on EdFEST or the school lottery, visit MySchoolDC.org or call the My School DC hotline at (202) 888-6336.

Visit OSSE's website for more enrollment data and information about the annual enrollment audit.

Mayor Bowser X: @MayorBowser
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