Big Idea

• Arizona is the model state for school choice, according to the Center for Education Reform
• Governor Ducey points to 25 years of charter school success
• The report researched and assessed charter school laws in each state
• Arizona has more than 550 public charter schools, making up 28% of the state’s total schools
• Read more…

Arizona was the only state in the study to receive an “A” grade

PHOENIX⁠ — Arizona continues to be the model state for school choice — ranking number one in the nation for charter school law by the Center for Education Reform’s 2020 report. Arizona was the only state in the study to receive an “A” grade.

“With more than 25 years of charter school success, we are proud to lead the nation in supporting innovative approaches to learning and providing high quality education options for our students,” said Governor Doug Ducey. “The educational success of our children is crucial for the future of our state and our country. There’s more work to be done, but the development of strong charter schools is a step in the right direction. I want to thank all the educators, school leaders, parents and family members working to ensure all Arizona kids have access to a high-quality education.”

The report researched and assessed charter school laws in each state in the nation, including the impact of state law on charter schools, the robustness of the charter sector, the diversity of schools and the presence of overregulation within charter school policy. Arizona received especially high scores for charter authorization, growth, and operations policy.

Arizona has celebrated charter school success for more than 25 years. According to the Arizona Charter Schools Association, Arizona’s more than 550 public charter schools make up approximately 28 percent of the state’s total schools. More than 213,000 Arizona students are enrolled in charter schools, making up nearly 20 percent of Arizona’s public school enrollment.

Arizona also offers Open Enrollment for its public school districts. Open Enrollment allows students to apply for admission to any public school depending on available classroom space. Additionally, Education Scholarship Accounts offers students a wide range of educational services outside home-based education, tutoring and educational therapies. Students eligible for these services include students living on tribal lands, those with special needs, children of military families and those in failing schools.

View the entire scorecard here.