Birmingham, Alabama Sees Upward Trend in K-12 Enrollment
Exciting news is buzzing around Birmingham as new data reveals that Alabama’s public K-12 enrollment has risen slightly. According to the 2024-25 figures from the Department of Education, there are now 729,242 students enrolled statewide, showing an increase of 2,502 students—or about 0.3%. This marks the highest total enrollment in Alabama since the 2016-17 school year.
In a world where many states are experiencing declines in school enrollment, Alabama stands out as one of only 10 states expected to see rising numbers through 2031. State Superintendent Eric Mackey expressed optimism in a recent communication with state board members, noting that “more (students) are coming than going.” This is great news, especially for districts around the Tennessee Valley area, which includes places like Limestone County, Athens City, Madison City, and Huntsville City, all showcasing significant growth.
Delving into the Numbers
It’s important to take a closer look at how different districts are faring. While Alabama as a whole is seeing an uptick in enrollment, there are still some challenges, particularly in rural areas. Superintendent Mackey pointed out that many rural counties continue to see falling populations. As the population decreases, so naturally does student enrollment, which is a concern that many are keeping an eye on.
Funding for public schools in Alabama is based on the number of students enrolled the previous year, so this year’s enrollment figures will directly impact next year’s budget. While some districts are poised to benefit from additional funding due to their growth, others facing declining numbers will likely experience a reduction in funds.
Bright Spots in Enrollment Trends
In a remarkable turn of events, Birmingham City Schools has recorded a rare increase in enrollment. The district gained 109 students, growing from 19,999 to 20,108. This marks only the second year in the past 30 where Birmingham City Schools has seen an increase, the last being in the 2015-16 school year.
Mark Sullivan, the Birmingham City Schools Superintendent, expressed his pleasure at the enrollment growth. He credited this success to the hard work of the team in recruiting new students and encouraging current ones to remain in the district. Sullivan added, “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.” This enthusiasm is sure to inspire confidence in families considering the district for their children’s education.
The Virtual School Surge
Moreover, virtual schooling is experiencing significant growth throughout Alabama. The Eufaula City School district added a whopping 1,600 students to its virtual school, reaching a total enrollment of 8,304 students. It is now the state’s second-largest online school. On another note, Limestone County’s virtual school has now grown to the state’s largest, enrolling 7,822 students after adding 577 students.
Mixed Fortunes for Other Districts
However, not all districts are enjoying the same growth. Mobile County, the largest school district in Alabama, saw a decline of 946 students, a trend that has continued for the seventh consecutive year. In contrast, Huntsville City Schools added over 500 students, bringing their total to 23,485 students. Their ongoing commitment to educational excellence seems to be paying off!
In Montgomery County, enrollment remained quite stable with a minor drop of just 52 students, while Baldwin County saw an increase of 135 students to reach a total of 31,133 students. However, Jefferson County is facing challenges too, losing 218 students for a total enrollment of 34,547 students. Unfortunately, Selma City Schools experienced the steepest decline, losing about 12% of its student body, down to 2,213 students.
Final Thoughts
The data reflects a mixed bag of growth and decline across Alabama’s districts, but it is heartening to see that some areas—especially Birmingham—are on the rise. As enrollment impacts funding, it’s crucial for schools to keep this momentum and work collaboratively with communities to attract and retain students. With so much happening in Alabama’s education landscape, it’s clear that the future holds both challenges and opportunities!
