Number of Public Schools in the US: Key 2025 Data on States & Demographics

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

One can argue that the number of public schools in the US, or in any other country for that matter, reflects the country’s economic strength. After all, the United Nations has identified education as a bedrock of sustainable development.

In the US, education remains strong, lending to the new generation and the country as a whole a bright future. But how does American public education fare against education in other industrialized countries? A good starting point is getting the numbers right.

How many schools are there in the US? There are 130,930 K-12 schools in the US as of 2020, of which 13,452 are regular school districts (National Center for Education Statistics [NCES], 2020). The country’s expansive educational infrastructure has made it possible for the US to secure a rich learning experience for its future generations, regardless of class, age, race, religion, and other socioeconomic and political beliefs. Nearly half of the school districts are funded by the state (46.8%), with the other sources coming from federal and local sources.

To get a better picture of this, this article will further discuss statistics behind US public schools, detailing national, state-based, and institutional developments, and comparing them with US private schools.

Number of Public Schools in the US Table of Contents

Number of Public Schools in the US and Other National Statistics
Key Public School Statistics by State
Public School vs. Private School Key Statistics
Demographics of Public School Students
Public Primary School Statistics
Public Secondary School Statistics
Importance of Lifelong Learning in Public Education
What Emerging Trends Will Define the Future of U.S. Public Education?
What Role Does Teacher Recruitment and Retention Play in Public School Performance?
How are public schools addressing student mental health needs?
How can online dual degree programs expand opportunities for public school graduates?
Can Accelerated Learning Pathways Enhance Career Success for Public School Graduates?
Do Public Community Colleges Offer Accelerated Pathways to Career Success?
How Do Public Schools Prepare Students for High-Paying Careers?

The first American public school was founded on April 23, 1635, in Boston, Massachusetts, under the name [the] “Boston Latin School." Home to well-known alumni, such as John Hancock and Samuel Addams, the secondary school served as a college preparatory class and was made exclusively for male students interested in studying the classics.

Over time, public schools were recognized for their role in making education accessible, affordable, and attentive to current events—and eventually became the model for academic progress in the United States.

Number of Public Schools in the US and Other National Statistics

How many public schools are there in the US? There are 97,568 public schools in the United States as of 2021, and the number can only grow as each school expects a large number of enrollees per academic year.

Enrollment

From an original count of 40.9 million, public school enrollment has continued to increase since 1980 at a rate of 23.9% (Education Data Initiative [EDI], 2020).
Enrollment generally had soaring rates between 2010 to 2019 with nearly 48.2 million students in fall 2010 and 49.2 million students in fall 2019 (NCES, 2020).
An average of 528 students populates each public school (Admissionsly, 2021).
Based on location, the average public school size ranges between 585 students in the city, 656 students in suburban areas, 443 students in towns, and 364 students in rural areas (Education Week, 2021).

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these enrollment rates have decreased as a result of the heightened restrictions, be they in-state or nationwide. To compensate, institutions have begun to offer several degrees online, like business, computer science, and even psychology, which may be welcome news for those who have wondered what to do with a psychology degree.

According to the latest report from the US Department of Education, only 48.1 million students attended public schools in the past year, noting a difference of 1.1 million enrollees from 49.2 million in 2019 (EDI, 2020).

Spending

Based on the guidelines set by UNESCO, the United States lags behind the global standard on spending for education, as it only allocates 11.6% of public funds to schooling, compared to the international benchmark of 15%.

A report from the EDI (2021) notes that, among the 37 developed nations in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the U.S. ranks 5th in terms of funds given per pupil.
Further along this scale, the US ranks 12th on account of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in relation to elementary funding.

At a glance, K-12 schools allocate $640.0 billion to public schools, averaging at $12,624 per pupil. Additionally, federal, state, and local governments spend a total of $734.2 billion or $14,484 per pupil. The EDI(2021) further records the expenses as:

A total of $57.34 million or $1,131 per pupil comes from the federal government.
A total of $344.0 billion or $6,785 per pupil comes from the state.
A total of $322.9 billion or $922 per pupil comes from the local government.

Key Public School Statistics by State

Between 2000 and 2016, statistics show that enrollment in K-12 public schools has increased in 32 states. However, since the pandemic stalled education, this trend began to decline, with 2019 recording the highest public school enrollment count (Admissionsly, 2021).

Regional Statistics

With the exception of the Midwest, over the years, enrollment has significantly grown in the Southern and Western regions (EDI,2021).

Southern regions have accumulated the most students, yielding a total count of 5.97 million enrollees. It has experienced a 51.3% increase since 1990.
Meanwhile, regions in the northeast have the smallest population, enrolling only 2.45 million students as of late. It has experienced a 17.3% increase since 1990.
Western regions account for 3.89 million pupils, having experienced a 56.3% increase in enrollment since 1990.
Enrollment in the Midwest reached 3.24 million students. Currently at a “relative decline," it has experienced but a 15.0% growth since 1990.

State-Based Statistics

Among all the US states, California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois make up the top five in public school enrollments, as education districts practically thrive within these communities (EDI,2021).

The number of schools in the US in the public sector per state, as well as the percentages of student enrollment, are as follows:

California

In California, a total of 6.86 million students are enrolled in K-12 schools. This is the highest number of K-12 students in the U.S.
Although the state has the highest private school attendance (accounting for 643,010 or 9.4% of students), 6.22 million students are enrolled in public schools.
California has 10,430 public schools, yielding the most out of all the states (Statista, 2019).
Fall enrollment is up 26.7% since 1990.

Texas

In Texas, a total of 5.84 million students are enrolled in K-12 schools.
5.9 million students are enrolled in public schools, while 347,430 or 6.0% of students are enrolled in private schools.
Texas has 8,975 public schools (Statista, 2019), some of which can offer graduate programs like a masters in psychology online Texas residents can aspire for.
Fall enrollment is up 60.6% since 1990.

Florida

In Florida, a total of 3.38 million students are enrolled in K-12 schools.
2.91 million students are enrolled in public schools, while 471,580 or 14.0% of students are enrolled in private schools.
Florida has 4,181 public schools (Statista, 2019).
Fall enrollment is up 52.9% since 1990.

New York

In New York, a total of 3.17 million students are enrolled in K-12 schools.
2.7 million students are enrolled in public schools, while 469,720 or 14.8% of students are enrolled in private schools.
New York has 1,796 public schools (Statista, 2019).
Fall enrollment is up 3.9% since 1990

Illinois

In Illinois, a total of 2.24 million students are enrolled in K-12 schools.
1.98 million students are enrolled in public schools, while 258,280 or 11.6% of students are enrolled in private schools.
Illinois has 4, 345 public schools (Statista, 2019).
Fall enrollment is up 8.8% since 1990.

How does technology impact public education in the US?

Technology plays an increasingly significant role in public education, transforming how students learn and teachers instruct. From remote learning to digital tools, schools are integrating technology to enhance educational experiences. Here are a few key ways technology is shaping public education:

Remote and hybrid learning: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote and hybrid learning models. Many public schools now offer online courses and flexible learning options.
Digital tools for learning: Schools use tablets, computers, and educational apps to engage students in interactive learning. These tools help students develop digital literacy and access a wider range of resources.
Data-driven instruction: Teachers can use educational software to track student progress, allowing for personalized learning plans based on individual strengths and areas for improvement.
Enhanced collaboration: Platforms like Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams facilitate communication and collaboration between students, teachers, and parents, making the learning process more connected.

Public vs. Private School Key Statistics

Apart from public schools, the United States likewise founded private education systems, owing much of their governance, conceptualization, and expenditure to private corporations.

Established in Florida and Louisiana by Catholic missionaries in the 16th century, these institutions generally reflected the evangelistic prospects of ecclesiastical and civil authorities, such that American schools will preserve certain values and traditions over the years.

Enrollment

There are currently 32,461 private schools in the United States.

As of late, enrollment totaled 5.72 million or 10.1% of all K-12 students (EDI,2021).
Furthermore, private schools have an average of 176 students per school—with 86% of these scholars from Grades K-8, and 14% from Grades 9-12.

On the other hand, there are currently 97,568 public schools in the country. So, how many elementary schools are there in the US? As of this writing, there are 6,408 primary schools. Furthermore, the number of high schools in the US has reached 30,160 in 2021. As of now, enrollment has reached 50.6 million students.

Granted, private institutes tend to bring in lower enrollment rates—as opposed to their public counterparts—due to the exclusivity of their student demographic, be it religious or non-affiliated.

Catholicism is the most dominant religious sector in private schools, corresponding to 38.8% of enrollees; while the least popular is Islam, corresponding to 0.8% of enrollees (Admissionsly, 2021).
Moreover, the EDI (2021) notes that 1.10 million students enroll at private Catholic elementary schools, and 522,665 students at private Catholic secondary schools.

However, based on current developments, the enrollment gap between religions is gradually decreasing, likely due to the rapid globalization of faith systems, ideologies, and personal values among students.

Location

As of 2018, it was found that most public school students enroll in the suburbs (EDI,2021). The breakdown is as follows:

39.6% come from suburban areas
30.3% are from the city
19.2% are from rural areas
10.8% are from towns

Meanwhile, most private school students enroll in the city; The rates are as follows:

43.1% come from the city
39.9% come from suburban areas
10.5% come from rural areas
6.5% come from towns

Income and Spending

Public schools are supported by the government; thus, a generous $640 billion is allocated to these institutions. On the other hand, private schools depend on student enrollment for income; based on a report by Admissionsly (2021), industry revenue is expected to grow by 3.8% to $87.5 billion annually.

From these findings, it can be surmised that public schools generally cater to families of lower incomes as the former requires massive financial support from private companies and/or citizens to fully operate.

In a report from 2016, the NCES learned that:

Only 19% of chosen public school students and 18% of assigned public school students come from poor households, while private school students only account for 8%.
Meanwhile, 56% of chosen public school students and 61% of assigned public school students live in non-poor households, as compared to 79% of private school students.
On their parents’ educational attainment, 12% of chosen public school students and 11% of assigned public school students have obtained less than a high-school diploma, a GED, a vocational/technical diploma, an associate’s degree, while only 5% of private school students lack in this aspect.
Moreover, 16% of chosen public school students and 15% of assigned public school students have parents with a graduate/professional degree, unlike 32% of private school students.

In line with this, an interesting point is that according to the U.S. Census Bureau, most families coming from the highest income bracket—that is, people with earnings over $75,000—bring their children to public schools, leaving merely 11% of their demographic to private schools. Coming from this, it can be assumed that, while public schools do cater to lower-income backgrounds, the quality of education is not to be overlooked.

In postsecondary education, however, private nonprofit schools outnumber public schools at 55.79% vs. 31.33% share, respectively, suggesting a reversal in trend when it comes to getting a degree.

Academics

It has been statistically proven that private school students obtain better scores in standardized testing.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress found that private school students generally excel in reading, science, and writing assessments.
The National Association of Independent Schools, on the other hand, learned that private school students receive higher scores in college admissions tests, such as the SAT and ACT.
Private school graduates average a mean composite score of 23.8, compared to public school students at 20.7. The former tends to perform more consistently across the different testing sections.

However, from a study conducted in 2018, University of Virginia dean, Robert Pianta determined that a student’s academic success relies more on one’s family’s educational attainment and income, as opposed to the school system—be it private, public, or any other.

Furthermore, Indiana University professor Christopher Lubienski, adds that:

Whether it’s a public or private school is not necessarily the defining factor. Private schools tend to score better on tests…But we found that family background differences more than explain the difference between public and private school test scores (U.S. News, 2021).

Thus, it can be said that enrolling in a private school will not make a difference in a child’s studies, for even public schools offer a good education. Rather, the choice between these systems lies at the beholder’s consideration of social identity and financial stature.

Are public schools adapting to the rise of online learning?

The shift to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic has permanently altered the landscape of education in public schools. Although traditional in-person education remains the foundation of the U.S. public school system, there is a growing trend toward incorporating online learning options for greater accessibility and flexibility. The following points highlight how public schools are adapting to this new reality:

Hybrid Learning Models: Many public schools have adopted hybrid learning models, combining in-person instruction with virtual learning. This flexibility caters to students who may face challenges attending school physically, such as those with health concerns or those in rural areas with limited access to educational resources.
Increased Online Resources: Schools are integrating more digital tools and platforms, like educational apps, to enhance the learning experience. These resources support a variety of learning styles and provide students with additional practice and learning opportunities outside the classroom.
Virtual Classrooms: Public schools are increasingly offering virtual classrooms for students who need remote learning options. This is especially beneficial for students in low-income areas, where traditional schooling may be more difficult to access.
Affordable Online Education: In addition to improving in-school technology access, public schools are also facilitating pathways to affordable higher education, such as through inexpensive online bachelor degree programs. These programs provide a valuable option for students looking to pursue postsecondary education without incurring high tuition costs.

By adapting to the digital learning environment, public schools are ensuring that students can continue their education effectively, no matter the circumstances, while fostering a more inclusive, accessible, and flexible educational system.

Demographics of Public School Students

With the abundance of public schools in the U.S., it is highly likely that the student population comes from different walks of life. The following are the different ways to define such demographics:

Financial Aid

Given their ties with the government, public schools are known to provide more support to students in need. As a result, they can offer some of the cheaper pathways to education and personal growth. For instance, some public schools can offer MSW online programs affordable enough for those just starting in the field. Additionally:

52.3% of public school students are eligible for free/reduced lunch (EDI, 2021).
7.28 million or 14.4% of public school students undergo special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Homelessness

Furthermore, 1.35 million or 2.7% of public school students are reported to be homeless, with the majority coming from elementary schools (EDI, 2021).

Transitional or shared housing conditions comprise 88.9% of these homeless students.
Hotel and motel living make up 90,000 or 6.7% of students.
50,000 or 3.7% of students are unsheltered
In addition, 250,000 of these homeless students have special needs.

Ethnic Background

As enrollment rates soar in public schools, the leading minority makes up nearly half as much of White students (Admissionsly, 2021).

With 23.7 million enrollees as of recent, White students rank as the majority in public schools.
Meanwhile, Hispanic scholars are the leading minority, with up to 13.9 million students enrolled.
Pacific Islander students make up the least, with only 0.2 million students enrolled in the United States.

A sensitive issue, public schools in America are not without their racial tensions, as explained by Rita Kohli et al. (2017) in their paper “The ‘New Racism’ of K12 Schools: Centering Critical Research on Racism." Published in Review of Research in Education, the meta-analysis looked into 186 papers in a U.S. K12 school context that examined racism.

“We built on a theory of the “new racism"—a more covert and hidden racism than that of the past," the authors said. They grouped the findings into two main sections: “(1) research that brings to light racism’s permanence and significance in the lives of students of Color through manifestations of what we conceptualize as (a) evaded racism, (b) “antiracist" racism, and (c) everyday racism and (2) research focused on confronting racism through racial literacy and the resistance of communities of Color." The authors call for “a more direct acknowledgment of racism, as we attend to the experiences and needs of K12 students of color."

Public Primary School Statistics

Public primary schools offer students an open and well-supported starting point in their education, as being one open to diversity, community involvement, and life-long learning.

Starting out with 27.65 million K-8 students in 1980, enrollment in public primary schools began to increase since, and at a rate of 26.9%—peaking at 35.5 million students in 2018 (EDI, 2021).

As of late, there are 67,408 public elementary schools out of the 87,498 elementary schools in the U.S. (Admissionsly, 2021).
Approximately 35.1 million or 69.4% of all public K-12 students are enrolled in public primary schools.
Among these, the largest class sizes come from Grades 6-8, as they yield a total of 11.49 million or 32.7% of K-8 students.

However, after 2018, enrollment was expected to decline at a rate of 1.14%, which was believed to last until 2023. This is likely due to heightened restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected physical attendance nationwide.

Public Secondary School Statistics

Public secondary schools support students on their road to college, providing them with a more insightful, sustainable, and globally-charged perspective toward learning. Beginning at 11.34 million students, secondary schools soon gained 15.20 million more enrollees in 2018—the number was slated to increase by 2.32% in the incoming academic years.

With matriculation rising by 3.71% since 1990, the EDI (2021) reports that enrollment is higher in public secondary schools compared to public elementary schools, regardless of how few public school students reach this level. Below are some important data on how many high schools are there in the US and other relevant statistics:

As of late, there are 23,872 public secondary schools out of the 15.55 million secondary schools in the U.S.
Public secondary schools account for 91% of all secondary school students.
Approximately 30.6% of all public K-12 students are enrolled in public secondary schools.
Each public secondary institute houses an average of 651 students.
Among these, Grade 9 has the largest class size, with 4.19 million students.
As of now, there are 48.1 million students enrolled in public secondary schools (NCES, 2020).

Furthermore, graduation from public schools increased at a rate of 0.2% after 2018, with 3.62 million students expected to graduate by Spring 2020. Between 2016-2017, the Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate (ACGR) has risen to 85%, which indicates the highest measure of public school graduates since its original inception back in 2010-2011 (Admissionsly, 2021).

Importance of Lifelong Learning in Public Education

Lifelong learning plays a pivotal role in ensuring that students from public schools not only thrive academically during their K-12 years but also equip themselves for continuous personal and professional growth in an evolving global landscape. Public schools, with their comprehensive curricula and extracurricular activities, create an environment that instills a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability among students.

A key aspect of fostering lifelong learning includes the increasing emphasis on flexible educational pathways. For instance, public schools are progressively integrating dual enrollment programs and vocational tracks to prepare students for both higher education and immediate career opportunities. These programs enable students to develop necessary skill sets while accruing college credits or certifications, laying a strong foundation for future academic or professional pursuits.

Moreover, the accessibility of online learning resources has opened new doors for public school students to supplement their education. High school programs often now include partnerships with online platforms and universities, enabling students to explore advanced subjects or specialize in areas of interest beyond traditional classroom settings. This adaptability ensures that students are not just knowledgeable but are also well-prepared for the demands of a digital-first world.

One of the complementary pathways that has gained traction is the pursuit of accelerated postsecondary degrees. This innovation allows students, especially those who have benefited from advanced placement programs or vocational training in public schools, to complete their higher education in shorter time frames. Programs like an accelerated bachelor's degree online accredited offer students the chance to leapfrog into the workforce or advanced studies, saving both time and costs.

U.S. public schools play an integral part in setting students on the path of lifelong learning. By introducing modern, flexible methodologies and prioritizing accessibility, public education ensures that its graduates remain competitive, informed, and capable of contributing meaningfully to a rapidly shifting world.

What Emerging Trends Will Define the Future of U.S. Public Education?

Emerging trends indicate that U.S. public education is progressively embracing integrated digital learning platforms, innovative curriculum designs, and data-driven instruction methods to meet the demands of an evolving workforce. In addition to enhanced teacher training and recruitment efforts, public schools are increasingly forming strategic partnerships with higher education and online learning providers to offer advanced courses and certifications. For example, some institutions are exploring pathways for students to pursue flexible postsecondary studies through collaborations that include options like what is the top rated online universities. Concurrently, policy reforms and stakeholder engagement are driving initiatives to modernize classroom environments and personalize learning experiences, ensuring the system remains resilient and adaptive in a rapidly changing educational landscape.

What Role Does Teacher Recruitment and Retention Play in Public School Performance?

Effective teacher recruitment and retention strategies are central to maintaining high-quality educational outcomes. Initiatives focus on upgrading professional development, competitive remuneration, and robust mentoring systems to reduce turnover and ensure a stable learning environment. School districts are increasingly aligning recruitment efforts with thorough evaluation of teaching credentials, where many educators enter the profession after completing a basic bachelor degree that meets rigorous certification standards. Outcomes research consistently links sustained teacher excellence with improved student performance and overall school competitiveness, emphasizing a balanced investment in human resources alongside infrastructure and technological advancements.

How are public schools addressing student mental health needs?

Public schools are increasingly implementing comprehensive mental health programs to support student well-being, acknowledging that academic success is intertwined with emotional resilience. These initiatives include onsite counseling services, crisis intervention protocols, and partnerships with mental health organizations that provide both immediate support and long-term guidance.

In response to rising mental health concerns, many districts have also begun integrating digital support platforms and teletherapy, which can complement traditional services and improve accessibility for students in diverse geographic areas. Some institutions further explore continuing education opportunities through link partnerships with open enrollment colleges to support staff and administrators in developing effective mental health strategies.

Collaborative efforts are being made between educators, parents, and community stakeholders to ensure that resources and training are aligned with evolving student needs while maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment.

How can online dual degree programs expand opportunities for public school graduates?

Online dual degree programs offer a streamlined pathway for public school graduates seeking to accelerate their transition into higher education and competitive careers. These programs combine undergraduate and graduate coursework into an integrated learning experience, enabling students to acquire advanced academic credentials in a reduced timeframe. By leveraging digital platforms, students benefit from flexible scheduling and immediate access to specialized courses that align with industry demands, addressing gaps in traditional learning environments. Furthermore, the adoption of such programs enhances career readiness by merging practical skill development with comprehensive theoretical knowledge. Institutions promoting online dual degrees are setting new benchmarks for academic rigor and accessibility, thereby expanding horizons for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Can Accelerated Learning Pathways Enhance Career Success for Public School Graduates?

Accelerated learning pathways are emerging as a strategic approach to shorten the transition between secondary and postsecondary education while maintaining rigorous academic standards. This model integrates streamlined curricula, competency-based assessments, and flexible scheduling to allow motivated students to complete their studies in less time. By aligning academic acceleration with skill development, these pathways foster quicker entry into the workforce and enhance career readiness. Programs such as accelerated degree programs exemplify how targeted initiatives can bridge the gap between high school achievements and professional success.

Do Public Community Colleges Offer Accelerated Pathways to Career Success?

Public community colleges are increasingly adopting accelerated programs that equip students with industry-ready skills in a compressed timeframe. These institutions are leveraging competency-based curricula, flexible scheduling, and strengthened employer partnerships to provide viable alternatives to traditional degree timelines. By streamlining coursework without compromising academic rigor, programs offering accelerated associate degrees enable students to transition more efficiently into the workforce, thereby addressing both skill gaps and economic demands in today’s competitive landscape.

How Do Public Schools Prepare Students for High-Paying Careers?

Public schools lay a foundational role in cultivating the critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills necessary for success in emerging high-income fields. Rigorous academic curricula, combined with targeted career counseling and extracurricular initiatives, equip students with competencies that translate into industry readiness. Strategic collaborations with postsecondary institutions also foster smoother transitions into advanced study programs, enhancing students’ ability to pursue esteemed graduate studies, including highest paying master degrees. By emphasizing digital literacy and innovative teaching methodologies, public schools continue to build a skill set that supports long-term career growth in a competitive global economy.

Are U.S. Public K-12 Schools Still Competitive?

Although statistics on spending fall short of the international standard, United States schools are still considered among the best sources of education, as American school statistics show. It also helps that the country has a robust tech industry, allowing students to get the best educational apps for kids to augment their learning, especially during the pandemic.

Ultimately, the U.S. made it its mission to provide citizens with a world-class education—and the public school system is one way it made learning more affordable and accessible, over the years. As it continues to open its doors to new students, enrollment grew exponentially throughout the nation; in the primary and elementary levels, and across various socioeconomic demographics.

Its current concern now lies in its navigation of the COVID-19 aftermath, as academic institutions are faced with the challenge of bringing students back to school in a safe, orderly, and timely manner.

Key Insights

Education as a Foundation for Development: Education is essential for sustainable development, and the number of public schools in a country often reflects its economic strength.
Large and Diverse Public School System: The US has a vast and diverse public school system, with 97,568 public schools as of 2021, accommodating a wide range of students from various backgrounds.
Enrollment Trends: Public school enrollment saw a steady increase until the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a decline. In 2021, there were 48.1 million students enrolled, down from 49.2 million in 2019.
Regional Enrollment Differences: Enrollment trends vary by region, with the South and West experiencing significant growth, while the Northeast and Midwest have slower growth rates.
Comparison with Private Schools: Public schools outnumber private schools significantly, with public schools accommodating 50.6 million students compared to 5.72 million in private schools.
Financial and Demographic Support: Public schools receive substantial government funding and support a diverse student population, including those from low-income families and students with special needs.
Academic Performance: Private school students often perform better on standardized tests, but family background and income levels play a significant role in academic success.
Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic affected enrollment and attendance rates, leading to increased online learning options and changes in how education is delivered.

FAQ

How many public schools are there in the US? As of 2021, there are 97,568 public schools in the United States.
How has public school enrollment changed over the years? Public school enrollment increased steadily from 40.9 million in 1980 to 49.2 million in 2019. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, enrollment dropped to 48.1 million in 2021.
Which regions in the US have seen the most significant growth in public school enrollment? The Southern and Western regions have seen the most significant growth in public school enrollment, while the Northeast and Midwest have experienced slower growth rates.
How do public schools compare to private schools in terms of enrollment? Public schools significantly outnumber private schools, with 50.6 million students enrolled in public schools compared to 5.72 million in private schools.
What percentage of public school students come from low-income families? Approximately 52.3% of public school students are eligible for free or reduced lunch, indicating they come from low-income families.
How do academic performances compare between public and private school students? Private school students generally perform better on standardized tests. However, academic success is more closely linked to family background and income levels than the type of school attended.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted public school enrollment and attendance? The pandemic caused a decline in public school enrollment and attendance due to heightened restrictions and the shift to online learning. As a result, many institutions have increased their online learning options.
What types of financial support are available for public school students? Public schools receive funding from federal, state, and local governments, which helps provide financial support for students in need. This includes free or reduced lunch programs and special education services.
What is the racial and ethnic composition of public school students in the US? White students make up the majority with 23.7 million enrollees, while Hispanic students are the leading minority with 13.9 million students. Pacific Islander students make up the smallest group with 0.2 million students.
What challenges do public schools face in the post-COVID-19 era? Public schools face the challenge of safely bringing students back to in-person learning while addressing the academic and social-emotional impacts of the pandemic. They also need to adapt to increased demand for online and hybrid learning options.