Charter Schools in St. Louis and Kansas City Drive Achievement Gap Closure, Placing Missouri Cities Among Top in Nation

New Research Highlights Students and Families Win in District-Charter Choice Cities

St. Louis and Kansas City, MO – [October 10, 2024] – A new study published by the Progressive Policy Institute and cited today by “The 74” underscores the notable success of St. Louis and Kansas City in closing academic achievement gaps, ranking both cities among the top three in the nation for improving educational outcomes for low-income students. Above all else, the Missouri Charter Public School Association (MCPSA) notes the finding that “scaling up citywide choice” can “lift all boats,” which is a testament to the educators in Missouri and their support of students and families in reaching high academic gains.

The findings of the study also draw attention to the significant achievement and dedicated support of the Missouri State Board of Education, the Department of Education, the Missouri Charter Public School Commission, and additional authorizers, who are championing quality charter schools across the state. Missouri’s charter school framework, backed by a collaborative approach between the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the State Board, and local charter school authorizers, has shown exceptional promise. By facilitating growth in high-quality charter schools, Missouri’s education stakeholders provide families with meaningful choices supporting equitable learning opportunities.

Adding to the momentum, the MCPSA would identify the following other key aspects:
Funding: The Opportunity Trust, a key partner in advancing educational excellence, recently won the Federal Charter School Program Grant for the first time. This substantial federal grant supports high-quality charter schools in St. Louis, Kansas City, and beyond, offering critical resources for educational programs that drive positive student outcomes.
Public Opinion and Perception: SLU PRiME and You.gov 2023 study and research among likely Missouri voters found that over half of Missourians welcome charter schools in their own district. The more recent, 2024 research, found that 90% of Missourians supported a recent omnibus education bill passed and signed into law in May, 2024, which expanded choice, increased PK access, improved funding, and increased teacher pay.
Performance: Just last year, the 2023 CREDO study, the research arm of Stanford University, found that Missouri was a top 5 state in the country for student growth and improvement among charter school students.

“Missouri is setting a powerful example of how expanding school choice and supporting high-quality charter schools can help close the academic achievement gap,” said Noah Devine, Executive Director of the Missouri Charter Public School Association. “At the end of the day, this is about supporting students’ and families’ educational and life success. It is heartwarming to see that public school students win in choice environments like St. Louis and Kansas City”

This latest recognition of St. Louis and Kansas City’s progress reaffirms the impact that strong school choice models can have on student success, especially for those in low-income communities. MCPSA remains dedicated to working with state education leaders and local charter school authorizers to further expand quality school options, ensuring all Missouri students have access to the education they deserve.