Black students thrive in public charter schools

As we celebrate Black History Month, we reflect on the incredible legacy of black resilience, ingenuity and progress.

From the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement to the modern-day triumphs of black scholars, activists, and leaders, black history is deeply woven into the fabric of America’s story. In North Carolina, black students in public charter schools represent the future of this legacy — pursuing educational excellence while overcoming the unique challenges that often accompany their experiences.

In this month of reflection and celebration, we must acknowledge not just the obstacles faced by black students, but also the opportunities, strengths and possibilities that public charter schools provide. Our state’s public charter schools offer a pathway toward success that empowers black students to thrive, innovate and contribute to a brighter tomorrow. Charter schools are public schools that allow families to choose an educational option that best fits the needs of their child. In addition, they are free and open to all students regardless of their school zoning.

Nationally, black students comprise 24% of all public charter school students compared to 14% of students in traditional public schools. Since 2019, there has been a 6% increase in black student enrollment in public charter schools. Clearly, interest in public charter schools is increasing due to the varied educational opportunities they provide.

In 2022, a National Alliance for Public Charter Schools poll found that 71% of black parents strongly agree that one size does not fit all when it comes to educating children. The poll also found that 70% of black parents strongly agree that parents should be able to have a choice in where their children go to school. Further, a Democrats for Education Reform poll, in 2023, found that 77% of black parents hold a favorable view of charter schools.

Charter schools are creating learning environments where black students can thrive. According to the 2023 study by the Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) at Stanford University, black students in charter schools gained 29 days of learning in math and 35 days in reading. Further, the CREDO study found that low-income black students gained 37 additional days of learning in reading and 36 additional days in math per year compared to their peers attending traditional public schools.

In reflecting on the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results there is room for improvement, but also successes to celebrate for black students attending charter schools. Black charter school students were on par with their district peers on the fourth grade math and reading assessments. However, eighth grade black charter school students outperformed their district peers in math and reading NAEP assessments.

There is increasing awareness of the advantages of teacher diversity, and in particular students being taught by teachers from the same racial or ethnic background. According to research from Thomas B. Fordham Institute, in 2019, “Several studies have shown that children who have at least one same-race teacher in primary school have fewer absences and suspensions, higher test scores, and are more likely to graduate high school and enroll in college.” In North Carolina, charter schools have about 35% more black teachers than traditional public schools. In addition, “Black students in charter schools are more than 50 percent more likely to have a black teacher than their traditional public school counterparts,” thus they are more likely to gain the benefits of having at least one same-race teacher during their academic career.

As a lifelong North Carolina educator, over the past 25 years I’ve seen how commitment to diversity can affect the success of students of color as well as the recruitment of educators of color which are in desperate need. One of the top priorities of the North Carolina Association for Public Charter Schools is providing spaces and opportunities for honest conversations to find workable solutions. Our state’s students and educators of color deserve our best efforts.

As we reflect on the enduring legacy of black excellence, let us continue to support policies and initiatives that expand educational opportunities, foster diversity and ensure that every student, particularly black students, has the chance to reach their full potential and shape a brighter future for all.

Rhonda Dillingham is executive director of the North Carolina Association for Public Charter Schools.