Enrollment in the Boise Schools peaked in 1997 at just over 27,000. The following year, kindergarten enrollment began to decline, and elementary cohort enrollment also began to lose numbers. Since then, total enrollment in the district has dropped to just under 25,000. Enrollment is projected to continue to decline for the next several years. Enrollment decline has been caused primarily by movement out of the district for reasons including affordability of family housing in suburban areas west of the Boise District.

Elementary enrollment began to decline soon after District enrollment hit its peak. Total Prek-6 enrollment is down about 1800 students since 1998.

Junior High School enrollment has been relatively stable until the 2005-06 school year, when it saw its first substantial decline. Smaller classes moving through the juniors highs will cause the decline at this level to continue for the next few years.

High school enrollment has increased since 1995 by about 300 students. The creation of the District's Alternative Schools at Ft. Boise and Mt. Cove in the early 90"s, along with services provided for potential dropouts by District Transition Counselors, have helped to retain students who may not have otherwise graduated from high school. High school enrollment will decline in the next few years as smaller classes enter the system.

updated 1/29/08

Return to Statistics page