Many parents have chosen homeschooling or private school options this year, and this change has notably affected public board enrolment numbers, trustees were told this week.
Trustees received an update on enrolment at Simcoe County District School Board schools during their business and facilities standing committee meeting on Wednesday night.
“Enrolment of kindergarten students is a definite factor in the overall enrolment decline,” said superintendent of business and facility services Brian Jeffs, adding that as junior kindergarten isn’t mandatory, many parents have opted to keep kids home or in their current daycare arrangements, rather than send them to class this year.
As Simcoe County is considered a growth area, enrolment had been expected to increase this year. Actual enrolment numbers at public elementary schools compared to projected enrolment are down by 851 students. Compared to September 2019 enrolment, enrolment is down by 256 students.
Barrie trustee Beth Mouratidis asked Jeffs roughly how many parents or guardians had chosen alternative means of education for their children this year.
“I believe the latest information we have suggests that 415 students that attended our schools last year have elected for homeschooling. I don’t think we have data yet about private schools, but we can get that data and report back,” said Jeffs.
Homeschooling, private schools and families choosing to delay moving to Simcoe County were reasons listed by Jeffs as to why enrolment at the board was down overall.
“Enrolment is fluid and students will continue to enter and exit the SCDSB system throughout the school year and we'll continue to monitor,” said Jeffs.
As of Sept. 14, 37,528 students total were registered at a SCDSB elementary school with 30,454 students participating in the in-school learning program and 7,074 students participating in the Learn@Home program.
Secondary schools had 13,320 students attending in-school programming, with 2,702 students opting for the Learn@Home program.
At the secondary school level, enrolment was slightly up at 61 students from projected numbers, and 260 students over 2019 numbers.