The Wichita Public School district has released enrollment numbers for the 2015-16 school year.
The report indicates that enrollment numbers for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade currently sit at 49,498 students, a level that hasn’t been seen in more than ten years. It’s an increase of 110 students over the previous academic year.
Overall enrollment for Wichita Public Schools is 51,113 students, a decrease of 197 students from the previous academic year.
According to the district, the disparity is due to the district’s decision to close or reduce two programs at the South Central Education Service Center.
Superintendent John Allison said in a statement that increased enrollment in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade reflects Wichita’s trust in the city’s public school system.
According to the report, Wichita South High School has experienced one of the largest enrollment increases—up 84 students from last year, and up 400 students from five years ago.
Elementary schools grew by 100 students. A decrease was seen, however, in the overall enrollment in middle schools.
Demographic data was also included in the report. Caucasian and Hispanic students continue to drive enrollment numbers, comprising 34 percent of total enrollment. African-American students account for 19 percent, multi-racial students account for 8 percent, Asian/Pacific Islander account for 4 percent and Native American students account for 1 percent of the student population.
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