Enrollment is down from its 2018 peak and a demographer expects more decline

What happened

A demographer told the board on January 14, 2026 that enrollment peaked at 4,833 students in 2018 and was 4,585 in 2025-26. That was 124 fewer than the 4,709 projected, a 2.7% miss. The study projects enrollment of about 4,383 to 4,588 through 2035. English language learners were 23.2% of students in 2024-25, up from 10.8% in 2014-15.

Why it matters to families

Fewer students and rising home values are two reasons state Foundation Aid is flat, which pushes more of school costs onto local taxpayers. Slower growth also shapes decisions about buildings and programs.

The evidence

Slides show the 2018 high and the 2025 count, the projection ranges and the ELL percentages. They also say the kindergarten class was smaller than the graduating class in nine of the last ten years. The May 2026 budget slides name a dip in enrollment as one cause of flat state aid.

The source