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Public school enrollment dropping, studies show

Census data and an NBC study show a swing between public and private school enrollment. Here's what it could mean for funding your kids' schools.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Data shows public school enrollment is falling nationwide and the story is deeper than declining birth rates. 

An NBC analysis took a closer look at the age group between 5 and 17 years old. From 2012 to 2022, public school enrollment for kids in that age group fell by about four percentage points. The decline comes even though the overall population is growing. 

Across the Carolinas, numbers are even lower. 

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The study showed that, in North Carolina, the decrease is about 5% to 6%.

In South Carolina, the number of students enrolled in public schools dropped by more than 7%. 

The census data that analysts looked at showed another interesting trend. During the same period, the number of 5-to-17-year-olds enrolled in private schools increased by 2%.

As for the reason behind what looks like a swing, the article says over the last two years, states have seen more private, charter and homeschooling options become available for families.

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Here's the bottom line.

Declines in enrollment can impact school funding. So, fewer students could mean less money when it comes to states funding public schools.

Contact Kia Murray at kmurray@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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