Commonwealth Charter Academy Sees Explosive Enrollment Growth

Students navigate their virtual classroom with advanced technology, showcasing the modern learning experience at Commonwealth Charter Academy.

News Summary

Commonwealth Charter Academy (CCA) in Pennsylvania has seen a remarkable 250% enrollment increase, reaching over 35,551 students. This surge, fueled by dissatisfaction with traditional schooling, raises concerns about spending practices and academic performance. Despite facing scrutiny, CCA’s leadership defends its practices and emphasizes initiatives aiding students, such as providing free computer monitors. Calls for a review of the funding formula have emerged as concerns about accountability grow amidst allegations of financial mismanagement and excessive spending on luxury items.

Harrisburg, PA – Commonwealth Charter Academy (CCA), the largest cyber school in Pennsylvania, has experienced unprecedented growth with enrollment reaching 35,551 students as of May 14, 2025. This marks a dramatic 250% increase over the past five years, significantly outpacing the growth rates of traditional public school districts. The recent surge in enrollment is illustrated by an increase of over 6,350 students compared to the previous year, as well as approximately 1,800 additional students currently in the process of enrolling for the fall semester. Such growth effectively adds a new district’s worth of students to CCA every year.

Five years ago, CCA was not the largest cyber district in Pennsylvania, but it has rapidly transformed into the second largest district overall, trailing only behind the School District of Philadelphia. The expansion of CCA is credited to its strong focus on parental and family services, particularly in light of rising discontent with traditional public schooling options.

Despite its astronomical growth, CCA faces scrutiny over its spending practices and transparency. Critics argue that the institution capitalizes on a favorable funding formula and attracts students through extensive advertising of appealing perks, all while demonstrating questionable improvements in student learning outcomes compared to traditional schools. In response to its growing enrollment, CCA expanded its graduation ceremonies this year from four to seven to accommodate approximately 4,000 graduates.

Roberto Datorre, the Chief Operating Officer of CCA, has taken a stand against allegations made by the Pennsylvania House Education Committee during recent hearings, asserting that claims regarding CCA’s student performance are based on misinformation. He defended the accuracy and interpretation of student transcripts, asserting that the data presented against CCA does not reflect the school’s actual performance.

The organization has also implemented initiatives to support its students, such as distributing free computer monitors to families that may not be able to afford them. Datorre has emphasized that having access to dual screens can facilitate effective online learning experiences.

Critics have raised concerns about high opt-out rates for state testing, to which Datorre referenced comments from Pennsylvania officials who have deemed the tests ineffective. Meanwhile, CCA has come under fire from a report published by Education Voters of Pennsylvania, which highlights alleged mismanagement of taxpayer funds on luxury items, including extravagant dining, entertainment, and vehicle expenses. The report claims that CCA has spent significant amounts, with over $114,000 on dining and $404,717 on entertainment, alongside questionable real estate expenditures amounting to $196 million for the purchase or renovation of 21 properties.

Amid these controversies, Auditor General Tim DeFoor has called for a review of the state’s funding formula, which he argues disproportionately benefits cyber charters like CCA over their traditional school counterparts. The financial practices of CCA have resulted in substantial increases in revenue and reserves, leading to growing concerns about accountability and transparency in their spending.

Activist Eric Epstein and others have sought access to financial records from CCA, voicing concerns regarding the school’s financial management and transparency. CCA has been embroiled in legal disputes over public access to these records, contending that the privacy of families necessitates the redaction of certain information.

In light of the findings from the recent audit, recommendations have been made for the implementation of a flat tuition rate for cyber charter schools, which could potentially reduce taxpayer expenditures and limit reserve amounts within these educational institutions.