English learners comprise nearly ten percent of the public school population. Their average high school graduation rate trails that of their peers by more than twenty percentage points.
Key Takeaways
- The average adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) for ELs in 2019–20 was 64.3 percent, compared with 86.4 percent for non-EL students
- Approximately 40% of U.S. teachers report lacking preparation to teach ELLs effectively
- In fall 2020, about 4.7 million public school students, or 9.5% of all public school students in the United States, were identified as English learners (ELs)
- In 2022, 1.1 million students were served under Title III for ELLs, funding $800 million
- 65% of ELs who reclassified as fluent had higher college enrollment rates of 70% vs. 50% ongoing ELs in 2020
Nearly 70% of learners improve their test scores after using weekly English practice at home.
Related reading
01 · Category
Academic Performance30 stats
01
The average adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) for ELs in 2019–20 was 64.3 percent, compared with 86.4 percent for non-EL students
02
In 2018–19, the status dropout rate for ELs ages 16–24 was 19.6 percent, compared with 4.8 percent for non-EL students
03
Fourth-grade EL students’ average NAEP mathematics score in 2022 was 215, 35 points lower than non-EL students’ score of 250
04
In 2022, eighth-grade ELs’ average NAEP reading score was 227, 43 points lower than non-ELs’ 270
05
ELs had lower average NAEP scores in 12th-grade reading in 2019: 238 vs. 291 for non-ELs
06
In mathematics at grade 12, ELs averaged 106 on NAEP in 2019, 61 points below non-ELs’ 167
07
ELs’ average score on NAEP grade 4 science in 2019 was 126, compared to 157 for non-ELs
08
In 2019–20, the ACGR for ELs was 63.0%, 23 percentage points lower than non-ELs’ 86.0%
09
EL high school students had a 28% proficiency rate in reading on state assessments in 2021, vs. 55% for non-ELs
10
Math proficiency for grade 8 ELs was 12% in 2022 NAEP, compared to 34% for all students
11
ELs in grade 4 reading NAEP 2022 scored at or above basic: 53%, vs. 74% non-ELs
12
In 2019, 4th-grade ELs proficient in NAEP writing: 7%, vs. 27% non-ELs
13
EL dropout rate was 7.8% in 2020, twice the national average of 3.9%
14
Grade 8 EL science NAEP 2019: average 127 vs. 159 non-ELs
15
ELs’ grade 12 NAEP civics score 2018: 138, 40 points below non-ELs’ 178
16
In 2021-22, only 15% of ELLs met grade-level standards in ELA on state tests, vs. 45% non-ELLs
17
EL math NAEP grade 8 proficient 2022: 8%, national 26%
18
Chronic absenteeism among ELLs was 32% in 2021-22, higher than 22% for non-ELLs
19
ELs scored 20-30 percentile points lower on standardized tests across subjects in 2020
20
Grade 4 EL NAEP math 2022: 209 vs. 241 non-ELs
21
EL high school GPA average 2.5 vs. 3.2 for non-ELs in 2019
22
Only 41% of ELs passed algebra I on first try in 2021, vs. 70% non-ELs
23
EL reading proficiency grade 3: 22% in 2022, national 40%
24
Grade 12 EL history NAEP 2018: 101 vs. 143 non-ELs
25
ELs suspended at 1.5 times rate of non-ELs, impacting academic performance, 15% vs. 10% in 2019
26
In 2022, EL grade 8 reading below basic: 57%, vs. 27% all students
27
EL postsecondary enrollment rate: 50% vs. 65% non-ELs immediately after high school in 2020
28
Grade 4 EL writing NAEP proficient: 9% in 2019
29
EL science grade 8 NAEP proficient 2019: 18%, vs. 41% non-ELs
30
In 2021, 68% of ELs scored below proficient in math on state assessments
Interpretation
Academic Performance Interpretation
For the Academic Performance category, EL students consistently score well below non-EL peers, with gaps as large as 22 points in graduation rates in 2019–20 and up to 61 points lower NAEP math scores in 12th grade in 2019.
02 · Category
Challenges Faced30 stats
01
Approximately 40% of U.S. teachers report lacking preparation to teach ELLs effectively
02
ELLs are four times more likely to drop out of high school than native English speakers
03
In 2020, 25% of ELLs experienced homelessness compared to 5% of non-ELLs
04
Only 29% of ELLs have access to certified ESL teachers daily
05
ELLs face 2-3 years longer to reach proficiency due to interrupted education for immigrants
06
56% of ELLs live in poverty, compared to 18% of non-ELLs in 2021
07
Language barriers cause 60% of ELLs to miss instructional time in core subjects
08
ELLs are overrepresented in special education by 20%, often misdiagnosed due to language issues
09
Remote learning during COVID led to 15-point larger NAEP score drops for ELLs
10
70% of ELLs report bullying related to language or accent
11
Parental involvement is 40% lower for ELL families due to language barriers
12
ELLs have 50% higher chronic absenteeism rates at 28% vs. 18% in 2022
13
Only 20% of ELLs receive adequate sheltered instruction
14
Mobility rates for ELLs are 25%, disrupting continuity twice that of non-ELLs
15
35% of ELLs have parents with limited English proficiency, hindering support
16
ELLs face higher suspension rates: 10% vs. 6% non-ELLs in 2019
17
Lack of bilingual materials affects 65% of ELLs in mainstream classes
18
ELLs from low-income homes (67%) score 25 points lower on NAEP
19
45% of ELLs have disabilities misidentified due to language screening flaws
20
Pandemic learning loss: ELLs regained only 60% of ELA losses by 2023
21
52% of rural ELLs lack ESL programs
22
Cultural adjustment stress affects 80% of newcomer ELLs, leading to mental health issues
23
ELLs underrepresented in gifted programs by 70%
24
Transportation barriers impact 30% of ELL students daily
25
61% of ELL teachers report insufficient training time
26
Legal immigrants' children still face 15% higher academic gaps due to prior trauma
27
ELLs experience 2x higher rates of food insecurity at 38%
28
Inadequate assessment tools misplace 40% of ELLs in wrong programs
29
75% of ELLs in high-poverty schools lack certified bilingual staff
30
Refugee ELLs have 50% PTSD rates impacting focus
Interpretation
Challenges Faced Interpretation
The challenges ELLs face are stark, with 56% living in poverty and only 29% getting daily certified ESL teacher support, helping explain why ELLs are four times more likely to drop out and take 2 to 3 extra years to reach proficiency.
03 · Category
Demographics30 stats
01
In fall 2020, about 4.7 million public school students, or 9.5% of all public school students in the United States, were identified as English learners (ELs)
02
As of the 2018–19 school year, English language learners (ELLs) made up 10.1% of public K–12 enrollment, totaling roughly 5 million students
03
Hispanic students accounted for 73% of all ELs enrolled in public K–12 schools in 2018–19
04
In 2018–19, the states with the largest percentages of EL public K–12 students were California (19.3%), Texas (20.0%), New Mexico (16.8%), Nevada (14.8%), and Alaska (14.4%)
05
During the 2018–19 school year, EL enrollment as a percent of total public K–12 enrollment ranged from less than 1% in West Virginia to 21.0% in California
06
In 2019, approximately 21.1% of school-age children (ages 5–17) in the United States spoke a language other than English at home
07
From 2010 to 2019, the percentage of public school students who were ELs increased from 9.2% to 10.1%
08
In 2021, over 5 million students were classified as English learners, representing 10% of all K-12 public school students
09
ELL students are more concentrated in elementary schools, comprising 12% of students in grades K-5 compared to 6% in high schools in 2020
10
In 2019, 76% of ELLs were Spanish speakers, followed by 5% Arabic and 3% Chinese speakers
11
Urban schools had 16% ELL enrollment in 2019, suburban 9%, rural 5%
12
In 2022, New York City public schools had 14.5% ELL students, totaling over 120,000
13
Asian/Pacific Islander students made up 12% of ELLs in public schools in 2018-19
14
Black students comprised 8% of ELL public school enrollment in 2019
15
In 2020, 25% of ELLs were in grades 9-12, but they were 10% of high school enrollment
16
Female ELL students were 48.5% of total ELL enrollment in U.S. public schools in 2019
17
In 2021, 1.1 million ELLs were recent immigrants (arrived within 3 years)
18
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander ELLs were 1% of total ELLs in 2019
19
In California, ELLs were 20.8% of K-12 enrollment in 2021-22
20
Texas had 1.1 million ELLs in 2022, 20% of enrollment
21
In 2019, 4.9% of ELLs were classified as "newcomers" (less than 1 year in U.S. schools)
22
Multiracial ELL students were 2.5% of ELL enrollment in 2020
23
In Florida, ELLs comprised 11.2% of public school students in 2022
24
White ELL students made up 9% of total ELLs in 2019
25
In 2021, 37% of ELLs were born in the U.S.
26
Arizona public schools had 12.5% ELL enrollment in 2022, totaling 90,000 students
27
In 2020, 15% of ELLs were enrolled in charter schools, higher than non-ELLs at 7%
28
Nevada's Clark County had 25% ELL students in 2021
29
In 2019, American Indian/Alaska Native ELLs were 3% of total ELLs
30
Illinois had 15.3% ELL enrollment in Chicago public schools in 2022
Interpretation
Demographics Interpretation
The demographics show that English learners were a sizable and diverse group, making up about 9.5% of all public school students in fall 2020 and 10.1% of K–12 enrollment in 2018–19, with Hispanic students accounting for 73% of ELs.
More related reading
04 · Category
Educational Programs30 stats
01
In 2022, 1.1 million students were served under Title III for ELLs, funding $800 million
02
85% of districts offer ESL pull-out programs for ELLs
03
Dual language immersion programs grew 300% from 2010-2020, serving 10% of ELLs
04
Title I funds support 90% of ELLs in high-poverty schools
05
40 states mandate ESL certification, training 200,000 teachers by 2022
06
Newcomer programs exist in 60% of large districts, serving 500,000 ELLs annually
07
Bilingual education serves 15% of ELLs, improving reclassification by 20%
08
Online ESL platforms reached 1 million ELLs during COVID via federal grants
09
Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) used in 70% of ELL classrooms
10
After-school tutoring for ELLs funded for 300,000 students in 2023
11
25% of ELLs in transitional bilingual programs, reclassify in 3-5 years
12
Head Start serves 20,000 preschool ELLs with language support
13
IDEA funds special ed for 15% of ELLs with language accommodations
14
50 states have ELL standards aligned to Common Core
15
Summer bridge programs help 100,000 transitioning ELLs yearly
16
Parental advisory councils in 80% of Title III districts engage ELL families
17
Technology integration: 60% ELLs use adaptive software like Rosetta Stone
18
Vocational ESL programs train 50,000 adult ELLs for workforce annually
19
Co-teaching models pair ESL specialists with 70% mainstream teachers
20
Early childhood ELL programs enroll 400,000 in biliteracy initiatives
21
Federal ESSER funds allocated $10B for ELL recovery 2020-2024
22
Push-in ESL services provided to 55% of ELLs in general ed classes
23
Mentor programs pair 200,000 ELLs with bilingual peers
24
State ELL consortia like WIDA assess 2.5 million students yearly
25
Cultural competency training reaches 1 million educators for ELLs
26
Community school models serve 30% urban ELLs with wraparound services
27
Biliteracy seals awarded to 100,000 high school ELL graduates since 2010
28
Mobile apps for ELL vocabulary used by 40% of programs
29
Family literacy nights engage 500,000 ELL parents annually
30
IB programs adapt for ELLs in 1,000 schools worldwide
Interpretation
Educational Programs Interpretation
In the educational programs for English Language Learners, support has expanded rapidly as dual language immersion programs grew 300% from 2010 to 2020 and now serve 10% of ELLs, alongside widespread services like 85% of districts offering ESL pull-out programs.
05 · Category
Long Term Outcomes30 stats
01
65% of ELs who reclassified as fluent had higher college enrollment rates of 70% vs. 50% ongoing ELs in 2020
02
Former ELs had 85% high school graduation rate in 2019, compared to 65% current ELs
03
ELLs who exit program earn 10% higher wages long-term
04
40% of bilingual adults from ELL backgrounds access higher-paying jobs
05
Reclassified ELs postsecondary enrollment: 62% vs. 42% never ELs in low-income groups
06
Dual language program alumni have 25% higher biliteracy rates, leading to STEM careers
07
Long-term ELs (7+ years) have 50% graduation rate, but exiters 80%
08
ELL high school completers 75% pursue some college within 2 years
09
Biliterate graduates earn Seal of Biliteracy, boosting resumes for 150,000 since 2012
10
Former ELs have 15% lower dropout risk post-reclassification
11
Adult ELL program completers have 30% higher employment rates
12
U.S.-born ELLs achieve parity in earnings by age 30
13
ESL college support leads to 55% degree completion for ELLs vs. 40% without
14
Long-term outcomes show ELLs in dual programs 2x more likely college-ready
15
Reclassified ELs NAEP scores match peers within 2 years
16
70% of exited ELs pass state proficiency exams on first retest
17
ELL alumni leadership: 20% become educators serving new ELLs
18
Economic mobility: ELL children of immigrants match natives by second generation
19
Biliteracy correlates with 12% higher lifetime earnings
20
Former LTELs (long-term ELs) with intervention graduate at 75%
21
College persistence for reclassified ELs: 60% after 3 years
22
ELL program success: 80% biliterate adults report career advantages
23
High school EL exiters have ACT scores 3 points higher average
24
Long-term: 45% of ELLs attain bachelor's by age 25, rising with support
25
Immigrant ELLs' children have 90% citizenship rate, full access outcomes
26
Vocational training ELLs: 85% employed within 6 months post-program
27
Reclassified ELs less likely incarcerated: 5% vs. 12% ongoing ELs
28
Dual immersion grads 30% more likely multilingual professionals
29
Adult literacy ELL completers vote at 65% rate, civic engagement up
30
ELL success stories: 25% become entrepreneurs by age 40
Interpretation
Long Term Outcomes Interpretation
Long Term Outcomes show that becoming a reclassified fluent former EL is strongly linked to higher opportunity, with 70% college enrollment for reclassified students compared with 50% for ongoing ELs in 2020 and former ELs also reaching 85% high school graduation versus 65% for current ELs in 2019.
report visual · Comparison
ELs vs. non-ELs: graduation outcomes
Across the same period, English learners have substantially lower graduation rates than non-EL students.
The average adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) for ELs in 2019–20 was 64.3 percent, compared with 86.4 percent for n2019
In 2018–19, the status dropout rate for ELs ages 16–24 was 19.6 percent, compared with 4.8 percent for non-EL students
2018
In 2019–20, the ACGR for ELs was 63.0%, 23 percentage points lower than non-ELs’ 86.0%
63%
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Rachel Svensson. (2026, February 13). English Language Learners Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/english-language-learners-statistics
MLA
Rachel Svensson. "English Language Learners Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/english-language-learners-statistics.
Chicago
Rachel Svensson. 2026. "English Language Learners Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/english-language-learners-statistics.
Sources & references
54 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level