After Years Of Dips, Chicago Public Schools May See Slight Enrollment Bump This Year
Preliminary Data Reveals Modest Increase in Student Enrollment
Chicago Public Schools is on track to see a rise in its official student enrollment this year, according to preliminary data revealed Thursday. As of the 15th day of school, more than 324,000 students were enrolled, compared to the same time last year – an increase of almost 2,800 students.
Trend of Rising Enrollment in Early Grades Continues
The rise in enrollment is primarily due to an increase in students in grades K-5, which saw a 2 percent increase compared to the start of last school year. English language learners, who grew by more than 12 percent compared to this time last year, also saw a significant increase.
Migrant Students Contribute to Enrollment Increase
The increase in migrant students settling in Chicago could be a contributing factor to the rise in enrollment, particularly in majority Black, low-income neighborhoods where schools had not previously set up bilingual programs.
Attendance Rate Rises Modestly
Attendance rates have also increased, with a 0.7 percent rise to almost 93 percent, a modest increase but one that comes after virtually no change last year and a struggle since the pandemic with chronic absenteeism.
Preliminary Enrollment Data Indicates Shifts in Demographics
While the overall increase in enrollment is modest, there are shifts in the demographics of the student population. The share of Black students dropped by 1.3 percent, the only major student group by race to see a decrease. Hispanic students saw the largest increase, by 1.6 percent. Students with disabilities, those who are unhoused, and those living in low-income households also saw an increase.
Families of Students with Disabilities and Homeless Students Also Grow
The number of students with disabilities grew by 3.3 percent, and the number of unhoused students, about 10,900, increased by just under 3 percent, after a more than 50 percent increase last school year.
Background on Enrollment Decline in Chicago Public Schools
For over a decade, Chicago Public Schools had been experiencing declines in enrollment. Districts across the nation have seen similar dips in public school enrollment, which have become more pronounced in recent years after the pandemic.
Conclusion
The rise in enrollment in Chicago Public Schools, while modest, marks a shift from years of declines. The increase in migrant students, English language learners, and students in grades K-5, as well as the modest rise in attendance rates, indicate a positive trend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why did enrollment decline in Chicago Public Schools for so long?
A: Enrollment declines were attributed to dropping birth rates, people leaving the city over the last decade, and population shifts that impacted the demographics of the city.
Q: Why is this increase in enrollment significant?
A: After years of declines, the slight increase in enrollment indicates a possible turning point in the trend.
Q: What can be attributed to the increase in enrollment?
A: The increase is attributed to a combination of factors, including the rise in migrant students, English language learners, and students in grades K-5, as well as a modest increase in attendance rates.
Q: Will this trend continue?
A: It’s too early to predict, but if the numbers hold or increase, it would be the second consecutive year of modest rises in enrollment after more than a decade of declines.
Q: How does attendance rate impact education?
A: Attendance rates are important because they indicate how connected students feel to their school communities.
