Introduction to Enrollment Declines
Broward’s efforts to improve student performance and convert elementary schools into K-8 academies are showing no signs of reversing a decades-long trend of plummeting enrollment. The school district released preliminary data this past week that shows that enrollment in both district-run and charter schools on Aug. 11, the first day of school, fell by a whopping 9,498 students, from 249,563 to 240,065, compared to the first day of school a year ago.
Enrollment Trends
Most of this year’s drop comes from traditional district-run schools, which now have 191,507 students, down 8,733 students from a year ago. But charter schools, which have experienced nearly three decades of growth, also saw a small decline this year, falling by 765 students. Last year, charter school enrollment had increased by 339 students. The district also saw declines in some traditionally high-growth regions, such as Weston and Davie, as well as in middle schools that are close to new K-8 schools.
Factors Contributing to Declines
The drops come in spite of a banner year for both traditional and charter schools, where most got A’s and B’s from the state and not a single one was rated D or F. The district’s overall grade, including charters, was an A for the second straight year. Superintendent Howard Hepburn said in a recent interview that he expects to recommend that some schools be closed due to low enrollment. The district has lost 35,000 students over the past decade and has more than 45,000 empty seats.
School Officials’ Perspectives
A Broward school spokeswoman said the first day of school data is too preliminary to draw conclusions, as some students are still enrolling, and that an official enrollment count will be conducted in September. In recent interviews, school officials have attributed enrollment declines to lower birth rates in the county, a large number families leaving due to financial reasons and the wide availability of vouchers to fund private and home school education. “Parents have more options,” School Board member Adam Cervera said. “We’ve got to get our act together and do a better job of fixing the things that are wrong, and for the things we do right, we’ve got to do a better job of getting the message out.”
Regional Enrollment Declines
Enrollment fell at most Weston schools. Cypress Bay High in Weston, the largest high school in the state, dropped by nearly 200 students this year, to 4,425. Tequesta Trace Middle School lost 118 students, Country Isles Elementary lost 112 and Manatee Bay Elementary lost 75. In Davie, the historically crowded Western High lost 294 students, bringing its enrollment to 3,389. Davie Elementary lost 78 students, Silver Ridge Elementary 73 students and Fox Trail Elementary 78.
Impact of K-8 Schools
Several middle schools in areas where four new K-8 schools opened also saw declines. In most cases, these middle schools lost more students than the K-8 schools gained. This year, the new K-8 schools only added sixth-grade classes, with seventh and eighth grades phased in over the next two years. Silver Shores STEAM Academy K-8 in Miramar gained 50 new sixth graders, but lost students in other grades, resulting in a net enrollment increase of just seven students. Nearby Glades Middle, where many Silver Shores students have traditionally attended, lost 174 students.
Charter School Enrollment
In recent decades, Broward lost most of its students to charter schools, which exploded in the county in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The enrollment stabilized in the last few years as fewer schools opened, but this year, charter school enrollment dipped from 49,323 to 48,558. “Parents in Florida can choose from a wide range of high-quality K–12 options, including district/zoned public schools, public charter schools, magnet programs, virtual schools, microschools, homeschool, and private programs,” said Lynn Norman-Teck, executive director of the Florida Charter School Alliance, an advocacy group.
Conclusion
The decline in enrollment in Broward schools is a complex issue with multiple factors contributing to the trend. While the district has made efforts to improve student performance and offer more educational options, the availability of charter schools, vouchers, and other alternatives has led to a shift in enrollment patterns. As the district continues to navigate these changes, it will be important to monitor enrollment trends and adjust strategies accordingly.
FAQs
Q: What is the main reason for the decline in enrollment in Broward schools?
A: The decline in enrollment is attributed to a combination of factors, including lower birth rates, families leaving the area due to financial reasons, and the wide availability of vouchers to fund private and home school education.
Q: How many students did the district lose this year?
A: The district lost 9,498 students, from 249,563 to 240,065, compared to the first day of school a year ago.
Q: Are charter schools also experiencing declines in enrollment?
A: Yes, charter school enrollment dipped from 49,323 to 48,558 this year.
Q: What is the district doing to address the decline in enrollment?
A: The district is considering closing some schools due to low enrollment and is working to improve student performance and offer more educational options.
Q: Are there any exceptions to the decline in enrollment?
A: Yes, some schools, such as Nova High and Northeast High, saw increases in enrollment this year.
