Vicki Murray points out that the advent of some modest forms of school choice has allowed parents to choose alternatives within the public system
Vicki Murray
Washington Policy Center
Key Takeaways
- Between 2012 and 2024, Washington’s education spending increased significantly, jumping from $13,775 to $19,163 per student, a 39% increase, adjusted for inflation.
- State data show that in 2023, public schools failed to educate 49% of students adequately to standards in English, 61% of students adequately in math, and 57% adequately in science.
- Fourth-grade students in Washington saw a significant decline in math and English proficiency. Between 2013 and 2024, Washington students fell from 10th in the nation in math proficiency to 27th. In English proficiency, students fell from 15th to 18th in the nation.
- Eighth-grade students in Washington also saw a significant decline in math and English proficiency. Between 2013 and 2024, Washington students fell from 7th in the nation in math proficiency to 24th. In English proficiency, students fell from 8th to 17th in the nation.
- The number of non-teacher public school employees grew at a faster rate than certified teachers, increasing by 28% between 2012 and 2024. Today, nearly half (49%) of Washington public school employees are not certified classroom teachers.
- While public school enrollment increased by only 7% from 2012 to 2024, alternative education options expanded at a much higher rate. Homeschooling increased by 76%, and full-time online public school enrollment grew by 36% over the same period.
Introduction
During Governor Inslee’s term in office the public education system experienced a significant decline in test scores despite a significant increase in per-student spending.
The number of children attending Washington public schools increased only slightly during the study period. Public school attendance was 1,001,485 students in 2012, rising to 1,073,425 students during the 2024-25 school year, a 7% increase. During that same period, Washington state’s population grew by about 14%.
While still a relatively small percentage of total students, homeschooling and attendance at privately-run full-time online schools increased at a faster rate than traditional public-school attendance. Attendance at Insight School and Washington Virtual Academy, both full-time online programs, increased from a combined 5,010 students in 2012 to 6,842 students in 2024, a notable 36% increase. In addition, the number of students in homeschool rose dramatically from 16,722 in 2012 to 29,467 in 2024, a remarkable increase of 76%. Homeschooling families now educate a number of students equal to the second or third largest school district in the state.
During that period, private school attendance kept pace with public school attendance, rising from 76,429 students to 81,962 students, a 7% increase.
The advent of some modest forms of school choice has allowed parents to choose alternatives within the public system. In 2012 there were no charter public schools in Washington. After a voter-approved initiative, which was ratified by a bipartisan bill that Governor Inslee allowed to become law without his signature, there now are 18 charter schools serving 4,800 students.
Vicki Murray is a Paul W. Locke Research Fellow for Education.
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