Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Education


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 12:00 AM

Comments (28)     E-mail E-mail article      Print Print view      Share Share

Seattle school sign-up points to more students

Student enrollment in Seattle Public Schools may grow next fall for the second year in a row.

Seattle Times education reporter

Amid teacher layoffs, school closures and other budget cuts, Seattle Public Schools may have at least one area of growth next year: students.

During the enrollment sign-up that ended in March, the school district received 400 more kindergarten applications this year than last.

District officials estimate that could mean anywhere from 200 to 500 more students in Seattle schools in September. It would be the second increase in two years — reversing a general downward trend over the past decade.

Officials won't know for sure how many students they'll have until September. While the increase in applications is encouraging, they caution it might simply mean families want a backup for private school in case a parent loses a job.

"We hear a lot of families were hedging their bets," said School Board member Harium Martin-Morris.

It also could simply mean fewer families are able to afford private school. The Washington Federation of Independent Schools says that private-school enrollment across the state is expected to be down by 5 to 10 percent.

And some see it as a signal that the public's confidence in Seattle's public schools is growing.

"I'm really excited," said School Board President Michael DeBell. "It shows we're doing plenty of things right."

Last fall, enrollment grew by about 300 students, up from a decade low of 45,276 in fall 2007. If it grows again, Seattle's student population could top 46,000, the highest since 2005.

Such growth would have financial benefits in a year or two, because much of the money the district receives is on a per-pupil basis.

It also may mean that the district's decision earlier this year to close five schools didn't drive away as many families as some had feared — at least not enough to cause overall district enrollment to drop.

While Seattle school officials warn not to read too much into the numbers, they are taking steps to accommodate the increase. So far, they've added an additional kindergarten class at seven schools: Bagley, Leschi, Muir, Lafayette, Roxhill, Whittier and Loyal Heights. (The growth this year is in different places than last year, when the northeast section of the city and the Queen Anne and Magnolia neighborhoods saw big kindergarten increases.)

advertising

Officials say they may add classes at other schools, too, if there's a need. For now, they continue to watch.

"I hate the wait-and-see," said Martin-Morris, "but we'll have to wait and see."

Linda Shaw: 206-464-2359 or lshaw@seattletimes.com

Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company

More Education headlines...

E-mail E-mail article      Print Print view      Share Share

Comments (28)
Loannightmare, You are on the right track. I know teachers at two private schools, One in West Seattle and one in the Laurelhurst district that are...  Posted on May 28, 2009 at 8:02 AM by CompostPile. Jump to comment
And some see it as a signal that the public's confidence in Seattle's public schools is growing. "I'm really excited,"...  Posted on May 28, 2009 at 7:06 AM by Loannightmare101. Jump to comment
It wouldn't have ANYTHING to do with people flooding to Seattle for jobs, like my sister's family from Oregon who moved here, huh?...  Posted on May 28, 2009 at 8:16 AM by 20yrsinSeattle. Jump to comment


Get home delivery today!

More Education

National Survivors of Suicide Day helps those who have lost loved ones

UW provost tapped for Nike's board

University of Calif. approves big fee hikes

$335 million in education grants

State schools chief wants to delay dates for passing key tests

Advertising

Video

Raw Video | Real Salt Lake receives the MLS Cup trophy
Real Salt Lake is handed the 2009 MLS Cup trophy at Qwest Field, November 22, 2009.

Raw Video | Real Salt Lake fans celebrate
Real Salt Lake fans enter Qwest Field
Raw Video | MLS Cup Opening Ceremony
LA Galaxy's David Beckham
Real Salt Lake's Kyle Beckerman
MLS trophy arrives in Seattle
Chittenden Locks Inspection
Full interview with New Moon actors
Interview with New Moon actors

Marketplace

nwautos

2009's most fuel-efficient sedansnew
Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment

Open Houses

Find this weekend's open house listings.
Or search by location:

Advertising