In spite of national trends, the state of Alabama is one of just 10 states nationwide to see an increase in public school enrollment for the 2024-25 school year.
Likewise, Birmingham City Schools has grown its student population, the first increase in enrollment in nearly a decade.
Alabama Daily News reports:
Alabama funds public school districts based on the number of students enrolled the previous year, so this year’s enrollment impacts next year’s funding. Additional funding is available for the state’s fastest-growing districts, but districts that continue to see declining enrollment will continue to see decreases in funding.
Birmingham City Schools, in Alabama’s second-largest city, saw a rare increase, gaining 109 students, rising from 19,999 to 20,108 . This marks only the second time in 30 years the district has added to its rolls year over year. The last increase was in 2015-16, when enrollment rose by just 47 students.
“We are very pleased to see an increase in our enrollment this year,” said Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Mark Sullivan. “Our team has worked to recruit new students and encourage our existing students to continue their education in BCS. We believe there are several factors contributing to our overall increase. Our academic achievement is improving, and our scholars have an opportunity to participate in a variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities.”