"It is my pleasure to celebrate alongside the students who have benefited from these innovative institutions.
"Charter schools serve over three million students nationwide, providing students in rural, urban, and suburban settings with unique educational opportunities.
"The reforms in the Every Student Succeeds Act enable charter schools to serve more students and allow states to support new, high-quality charter schools to address the growing demand for these schools.
"And the demand is high – currently, five million students are awaiting their chance to attend.
"Charter schools offer American families the right to choose what environment is best for their child.
"It is clear that parents and students want this choice available to them, and they deserve to have it."
