With 7,293 students in the classrooms for the beginning of the current school year — an increase of 247 over last year — Enid Public Schools is growing faster than expected.
Predictions made three years ago anticipated schools would hit the current mark in 2014. The district has grown by more than 900 students since 2007, making it one of the fastest-growing districts in the state, said Amber Fitzgerald, school and community relations director for EPS.
School officials believe the increase is due to a growing number of young families in the community, a healthy local economy and more students from neighboring communities selecting EPS as their district of choice.
“This is incredible news and says so much about Enid Public Schools and our community,” said Superintendent Shawn Hime. “As enrollment increases, we are able to offer our students even more courses and services. We are improving our buildings, we are expanding technology and we are growing. It is a great time to be a student in Enid, Oklahoma.”
Elementary schools are showing the most enrollment growth. For the second consecutive year, EPS has nearly 700 kindergarten students.
“Our elementary schools, once again, are at capacity,” Hime said.
Two new elementary schools, each with a 600-student capacity, will open in the fall of 2012. Three years ago, sixth-grade classes were moved out of the elementary buildings and into middle schools.
“Thanks to the Enid community and our extensive planning process, we will be ready next fall to welcome even more students,” Hime said. “We’re very glad to have them.”