Education
Despite falling enrollment, public schools haven't downsized
Key Points
The number of students in U.S. public schools has dropped dramatically in recent years, with enrollment falling by more than a million students nationwide since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. That steep decline has intensified the financial strain on many districts, triggering often contentious public debates about school closures and staff layoffs.
The number of students in U.S. public schools has dropped dramatically in recent years, with enrollment falling by more than a million students nationwide since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. That steep decline has intensified the financial strain on many districts, triggering often contentious public debates about school closures and staff layoffs.