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The primary purpose of the Fast Facts website is to provide users with concise information on a range of educational issues, from early childhood to adult learning. Fast Facts draw from various published sources and are updated as new data become available. Additional references on each of these topics are highlighted within each fact.

 

Back to School StatsIn fall 2020, about 56.4 million students are projected to attend elementary and secondary schools either in person, online, or some combination of the two, including 50.7 million students in public schools and 5.7 million in private schools. Before the school year is out, an estimated $709 billion will be spent related to public school education. These are just a few of the statistics contained in the Back to School fact, which offers data about American elementary, secondary and postsecondary schools, students, and the educational process.

Fast Facts Highlights

What are the long-term trends in student achievement in reading and mathematics?
(more info)

Did You Know?

Public school students in 28 states scored higher than their peers in the nation; students in 15 states and the District of Columbia scored lower than their peers nationally. The interactive map provides details. (NCES Reference)

Recent Video (Archive)

ePIRLS (International) 2016 Assessment 4th –graders online reading score:<br /><br />

U.S. ePIRLS Average 557<br />

ePIRLS scale average: 500
ePIRLS (International) 2016 Assessment 4th –graders online reading score:

U.S. ePIRLS Average 557
ePIRLS scale average: 500 (more info)