Fulton County schools officials are projecting student enrollment in north Fulton to decrease in the coming years, according to a new report.
The total number of students in Fulton County for 2015-16 is 95,694, with that number expected to jump to 97,858 in the next five years. South Fulton is expected to gain 3,781 students while North Fulton is projected to see a decrease of 1,634 students, and Sandy Springs a decrease of 126.
Kindergarten enrollment is on a downward trend, particularly in the north Fulton region. And as this pattern is expected to continue, enrollment in the region will shrink, based on the latest report on student enrollment projections presented at a school board meeting Tuesday.
In North Fulton, birth rates continue to decline, impacting the region at the elementary level, the report states. In Sandy Springs, residential redevelopment continues to affect the region as well, and as the economy continues to strengthen, some families are choosing to enroll at nonpublic schools, the report states.
In South Fulton, growth continues at all levels, and the housing market is gaining strength. There are also higher high school retention rates due to declining drop-out rates.
School officials use enrollment forecasts for planning and budget development. Short-range estimates identify resources needed such as staffing, textbooks, buses, groceries, and classroom needs such as modular or portable classrooms. Long-range estimates inform and guide the timeline for capital construction projects.
Fulton is the fourth-largest school district in Georgia, with close to 100 schools.
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