Kids First. Always.
For more than three decades, California’s charter public schools have stood behind one powerful promise: Kids First. Always.
That commitment has transformed California’s public school system. Since the Charter Schools Act was signed into law in 1992, charter educators have reimagined what education can be—launching schools that deliver strong academic results and meet families where they are with innovative models, personalized learning, and high expectations.
And families are noticing.
As the 2025–26 school year begins, more California students than ever are enrolled in charter public schools.
According to EdSource:
While the state’s overall public school population is declining, charter school enrollment has risen to nearly 728,000 students—12.5% of all public school students—attending 1,280 campuses and independent study programs statewide.
Families Are Choosing Charters
The growth is clear: families are making their voices heard by choosing schools that deliver on excellence, flexibility, and opportunity.
In San Diego County, the trend is especially striking. As Voice of San Diego recently reported:
Since 2014, district-run schools have lost nearly 53,000 students. Meanwhile, charter enrollment has surged by 41%, adding nearly 26,000 students.
This is not just a shift in numbers—it’s a shift in trust. Families are seeking out schools where academic achievement, innovation, and accountability are front and center.
Ready to see what’s possible for your child? Explore our About Charter Public Schools webpage or use our interactive map to discover charter schools near you.
Flex-Based Schools: Personalized Learning in Action
One of the most exciting growth areas in the charter movement is flex-based schools—programs that put families in the driver’s seat with options like homeschooling, online-only, or blended learning.
As highlighted in CCSA’s report Nonclassroom-Based Charter Schools: Serving Diverse Student Needs in the Golden State:
[Flex-based charter schools] are defined by the wide variety of instructional delivery methods and program specialties they offer. This growth has allowed families to consider not just academic quality, but the specific program that best fits their child’s needs.
Two-thirds of flex-based schools use hybrid models with in-person learning, while others provide full virtual programs led by credentialed teachers, rigorous curriculum, and college-prep coursework.
Want to learn more about this innovative model? Read our full report here.
Holding Ourselves to Higher Standards
With innovation comes responsibility. Charter public schools operate with greater flexibility than traditional schools, but they are also held to higher standards of accountability.
Every few years, each charter must undergo a rigorous renewal process—demonstrating academic progress, financial stability, and full legal compliance to stay in operation.
More than 1,000 charter schools will face renewal in the next three years. At CCSA, we’ve made renewal support a top priority. Last year alone, 128 charter schools received tailored guidance through our Renewal Cohorts, legal support, and strategic resources. The result: Nearly 100% renewal success for participating schools.
If you’re a charter leader, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Join CCSA Membership today and access the resources that ensure your school thrives for years to come.
A New School Year, A Stronger Charter Movement
California charter public schools are growing, innovating, and delivering results at a time when families need it most. Whether through flex-based models, college-prep programs, or community-rooted schools, charter educators are proving that public education can and must evolve.
As we step into the 2025–26 school year, one thing remains the same:
Charter public schools will always put Kids First. Always.
