The last year schools operated “normally” before the pandemic forever changed K12 education was 2019. Since then, students and schools have taken a big hit. Teachers report noticeable changes in their students’ behaviors and mental health. Schools, on the other hand, are seeing fewer students walk through their doors, and some states are experiencing steeper drops in enrollment than others.
Scholaroo, an organization that helps students gain access to scholarships, recently published a report highlighting enrollment trends across the country. Across the board, most states are doing fairly well. Eight states in particular, however, saw enrollment declines of 5% or more. Here’s a look at the data:
States with declining enrollment since 2019
- Mississippi: -10.74%
- New Hampshire: -8.67
- New Mexico: -8.52%
- West Virginia: -8.25%
- Michigan: -5.43%
- California: -5.29%
- Vermont: -5.16%
- Maine: -5.06%
On the other hand, these eight states have seen substantial improvements in enrollment:
- Utah: 4.73%
- South Dakota: 4.6%
- Oklahoma: 2.21%
- Minnesota: 1.66%
- Alabama: 1.57%
- Nebraska: 1.46%
- Delaware: 1.39%
- Idaho: 1.24%
On a national scale, the data indicates there has been a 0.62% decline in public school enrollment over the last decade. By 2030, according to the report, there will be a drop of more than 5% if current trends continue.
“Overall, understanding school enrollment trends and patterns is crucial for ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education that meets their needs and prepares them for success in the future,” the report reads.
District leaders and policymakers should use these enrollment figures, the report suggests, to make informed decisions about curriculum development, resource allocation and other aspects necessary for equitable education.
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