KNOW YOUR STATE

California

Eureka

California has a Department of Education, a State Board, and a State Superintendent. The State Board consists of 11 members appointed to 4-year terms.

  • Education in State Constitution: Article IX: Sections 1-16
  • Education in State Code: EDC: Titles 1-3
  • State Board Members: 11 Members; Appointed; 4-year term
  • Education Authorities: DoEd; State Board; State Superintendent

    How California Scores on School Choice

    Every state sets its own school choice rules, and California is no exception. The NWEF School Choice Index scores California on 17 measures, from open enrollment to education savings accounts, then ranks it against all 50 states. Open any category below to see where California earns points and where it falls short.

    California

    Rank #24 of 50

    Growing

    California scores well on charter school access. Its biggest gaps are private-school options like ESAs and vouchers.

    Scored from state law · as of August 2026

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