Arizona is poised to develop new charter schools, thanks to a significant federal grant from the United States Department of Education. The state has been awarded $34.8 million as part of the Expanding Opportunities Through Quality Charter Schools Program, aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for underserved communities.
The funding, part of a larger $143 million allocation, will be distributed in phases over the next five years. Approximately $8.7 million will be provided annually for the first two years, followed by $10 million in the third year. The final two years will see smaller portions of $5 million and $2.8 million, respectively, ensuring long-term support for educational development through 2029.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne expressed his enthusiasm about the grant’s potential impact. “This federal grant will establish 24 new high-quality charter schools and enhance practices at 23 existing ones, benefiting students in areas where educational resources are scarce,” Horne stated. He also praised the Arizona Department of Education staff for securing the largest per capita share of this grant nationwide.
Horne emphasized Arizona’s leadership in school choice, highlighting the transformative impact of the funding. “These funds will give an estimated 10,000 students in underserved areas access to high-quality charter schools. Whether urban or rural, affluent or disadvantaged, every student deserves access to excellent education, and this grant brings us closer to achieving that goal,” he said.
Arizona currently boasts about 560 charter schools serving approximately 231,000 students, according to the Arizona Charter Schools Association. The state’s “open enrollment” policy makes charter schools an attractive option for families, further strengthening Arizona’s reputation as a leader in school choice.
The grant also awarded funds to other states, including California, New York, Colorado, Utah, and Rhode Island. Notably, California and New York received the largest shares, with $121 million and $94 million, respectively. Arizona’s success in securing such a substantial portion of the grant reaffirms its commitment to educational innovation and equity.
With this funding, Arizona is set to enhance its charter school system, providing students across the state with greater opportunities to succeed.