Press Release: Alabama Public Schools Experience Enrollment Surge Amidst Mixed Trends Across Districts
Montgomery, AL – For the first time in eight years, Alabama’s public school enrollment has hit a record high, reaching 729,242 students for the 2024-25 academic year, a modest increase of 0.3% (approximately 2,500 students) compared to the previous year. Enrollment in pre-kindergarten also rose, now totaling 22,528 students, marking a 0.4% growth.
This rise in enrollment is in contrast to national trends, as Alabama remains one of only ten states projected to experience increases through 2031, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Huntsville City and Limestone County topped the state’s biggest districts in enrollment growth, alongside Birmingham City and Baldwin County.
Many districts experiencing growth are attributing this to an influx of new residents rather than local birth rates. However, experts warn that the impending expansion of school vouchers could sway families toward private education, potentially affecting public school enrollments. "How this plays out depends on family choices," remarked Sofoklis Goulas of the Brookings Institution.
Despite these gains, not all areas are thriving. Declining birth rates alongside economic challenges have led to diminishing enrollments in rural districts, resulting in the closure of numerous small schools. Over 80 districts saw declines this year, with Selma City experiencing the largest percentage drop at 12%.
Moreover, Alabama schools are witnessing significant demographic shifts. The proportion of Hispanic and Latino students has nearly doubled over the past decade, now exceeding 12% of the total student population. Meanwhile, white student enrollment continues its slow decline, comprising 50%, with Black student numbers also down slightly.
State Superintendent Eric Mackey emphasized the importance of engaging families to counteract declining enrollments and is optimistic about the overall upward trend as schools adapt to meet changing community needs.
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