By : Natalie Lo
In 2000, the first three charter schools in St. Louis opened. Now, there are 18 charter schools operating in the greater St. Louis area. 17 of these schools are within St. Louis city boundaries and the other lies in the Normandy Schools Collaborative district boundaries.
Charter school enrollment has grown steadily since 2000. 11,474 students were enrolled in St. Louis charter schools in 2024. In contrast, St. Louis Public Schools’ enrollment has dropped from a peak of approximately 45,000 students to 16,542 since 2000. This demonstrates the growth and popularity of charter schools in St. Louis.
In 2025, St. Louis charter schools educated around 40% of all students within the city. 44% of students in St. Louis charter schools receive direct certification for free and reduced-price lunch. This is a common measurement used to learn if schools are serving a socioeconomically disadvantaged population.
St. Louis Public Schools and St. Louis charter schools have similar student demographics. Both entities’ enrollment is majority Black. However, charter schools enroll more white students and Hispanic students.
Read PRiME’s new educational report on charter schools to find out how St. Louis Public Schools and St. Louis charter schools compare on testing scores, graduation rates, and attendance.
Published November 2026
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In 2000, the first three charter schools in St. Louis opened. Now, there are 18 charter schools operating in the greater St. Louis area. 17 of these schools are within St. Louis city boundaries and the other lies in the Normandy Schools Collaborative district boundaries.