SLU PRiME Releases New Enrollment Report
Head Count: Enrollment Over Time Across Missouri, Kansas City Metro, and St. Louis Metro by Deanna Childress, Ph.D., provides a comprehensive analysis of public school enrollment trends across Missouri over the past three decades.
While statewide enrollment has remained relatively stable, Kansas City Metro saw significant growth until the COVID-19 pandemic, after which enrollment declined slightly. In contrast, St. Louis Metro has experienced a steady decline in enrollment since its peak in 1998.
Charter schools in both metros have expanded considerably, though recent preliminary data for the 2024-25 school year suggests a potential shift, with slowing charter growth in Kansas City and continued but modest gains in St. Louis. Meanwhile, traditional public school enrollment in Kansas City has seen a slight uptick after years of decline, while St. Louis continues to trend downward. These findings highlight evolving enrollment patterns that could shape the future of Missouri’s education landscape.
Read more about SLU PRiME’s findings here.
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