Delaware Schools

DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
401 FEDERAL ST
DOVER, DE 19901
(302) 735-4000

The 194 schools in the first state of the Union, have some of the highest marks in areas such as school climate, accountability, controlling finances, and efforts to improve teacher quality. This has been reflected in Delaware's No Child Left Behind accomplishments. According to its Adequate Yearly Progress report, Delaware had 125 out of 178 public schools rate at "Superior" or "Commendable" in the 2005-06 school year, up from 75 in 2003. More than half of the schools at the highest ratings in 2006 are Title I schools receiving federal funding to help low-income students. Title I schools serve 46% of the Delaware Public School student population.

The number of Delaware's English Language Learners (ELL) has risen dramatically since the 1999-00 school year. In 2004-05 the ELL students made up 4% of the total number of public school students. The Delaware Department of Education states that of the Hispanic student population in 2004-05, 35% were ELL students.

Delaware raised two spots to make 25 out of 50 in the Smartest State rankings, which emphasize student achievement, positive outcomes, and personal attention from teachers rather than school spending. This year, only eight of Delaware's 35 public and charter school districts will begin after Labor Day (School began September 5).

Last year, Delaware spent $1.3 billion on public education, spending about $9700 per student. For more information, visit http://www.doe.k12.de.us.