Enrollment expected to climb in Cobb County Schools

Enrollment in Cobb County Schools is expected to increase over the next 10 years, according to a new report released by the suburban district.

High school student population is expected to increase from 32,059 to more than 40,000 by fall 2023, an increase of about 8,000 students. Middle school populations are also expected to increase, but only until 2020, after which Cobb predicts a decline due to lower numbers of students in elementary schools. Next year, Cobb anticipates an increase in elementary school population, however because of low birth rates in the county, Cobb predicts a decline beginning fall 2018.

Enrollment numbers for the 2013-14 school year were collected in October. Factors such as new housing developments, birth rates and mobility (students moving in or out of the district) were used to predict future student enrollment.