The greatest growth overall was seen in the second and third grades where numbers at Lee Elementary School jumped from 411 in 2015 to 443 in 2016. There were also increases at the middle and high school grades. The middle school grew from 712 students in 2015 to 738 in 2016. Similarly, the high school count numbers improved from 938 a year ago to 944 this year.
The state's official fall count day is important since per pupil funding from the state is based on the official count numbers. A second count day is taken in the winter.
Enslen said he's not surprised in the growth because he said he knows TK Schools offers a quality education for every student with professionals who really care about each student.
Because of the economic downturn in recent years and the housing market crash, TK, like most other districts in the state, have seen flat or declining enrollment. Added to those issues is the declining birth rate in the state and more options for educational choices now.
Even though TK officials realized the housing market is turning around, they budgeted conservatively for a slight drop in students this year, making the enrollment increase a pleasant surprise. "We're definitely pleased with the numbers. We're showing growth and families wanting to be here," said Enslen.
The largest class is currently the seventh grade class with 251 students. The high school has the largest student population with students in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12. There are 944 students in the high school. The middle school, with grades 6, 7 and 8 is the second largest school with 738 students. McFall comes in next with 472 students in Young Five's, Kindergarten and first grades. Lee and Page are nearly identical with 443 students at Lee and 448 students at Page.
Here is a breakdown of the numbers per grade as recorded for the 2016 fall count, compared to the numbers from the 2015 fall count:
Young 5 - 49 up from 42
Kindergarten - 201 down from 206
First grade - 222 down from 228
Second grade - 225 up from 200
Third grade - 218 up from 211
Fourth grade - 217 down from 232
Fifth grade - 231 down from 234
Sixth grade - 243 up from 239
Seventh grade - 251 up from 241
Eighth grade - 244 up from 232
Ninth grade - 247 up from 241
10th grade - 230 down from 234
11th grade - 228 up from 220
12th grade - 239 down from 243