California Charter School Landscape

  • 1,350+ charter schools statewide

  • ~690,000 students enrolled (≈11% of CA)

  • 52% of charters serve fewer than 500 students

  • 80,000–100,000 students on waitlists

  • 50+ closures (2022–2024), mostly operational/financial

Financial and Operational Pressures

  • LCFF funding below inflation

  • SPED costs rising faster than reimbursement

  • Facilities costs hit small schools hardest

  • Cash-flow instability common

  • Back-office quality inconsistent

Governance and Renewal Challenges

  • AB 1505: 2-, 5-, and 7-year renewals

  • <10% of charters qualify for 7-year renewal

  • 70%+ of revocations tied to governance issues

  • Boards lack training in Brown Act + conflict rules

  • Weak fiscal oversight and data literacy common

Dashboard Performance Trends

  • 60%+ of charter schools score Orange/Red

  • Elementary: math + suspension rate issues

  • Secondary: absenteeism + college/career challenges

  • Small schools show highest volatility

  • Data systems inconsistent across sites

Common Audit Findings

  • Attendance accounting errors

  • SPED documentation issues

  • Internal control weaknesses

  • Misuse of restricted funds

  • STRS/PERS reporting inaccuracies

Why This Data Matters

  • Most closures are operational, not academic

  • Small schools lack capacity and robust systems

  • Staff often hold multiple roles without support

  • Inconsistent data, finance, and compliance practices

  • CharterLab strengthens systems and renewal readiness