Student numbers are up for Red Deer Public Schools with 11,239 students are registered in the district this school year – up 121 students from last year.
The enrolment numbers are taken as of Sept. 30, a date that is significant as it’s the official count the province bases its funding from for the 2019/2020 school year.
“The increase in enrolment in Red Deer Public is welcomed news. This is a positive sign of our economy and it’s encouraging to see new families moving into Red Deer,” said Stu Henry, superintendent of schools.
Student enrolment increases were across elementary, middle and high school levels throughout the district with the biggest increase of 89 students at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School. Barrie Wilson Elementary saw 66 more students this year and Mattie McCullough Elementary, Don Campbell and Central Middle each saw a more than 30 student increase.
“Public education continues to be the choice of education for our community, as evident in the increase in our enrolment numbers this year,” said Nicole Buchanan, chair of the board of trustees. “We pride ourselves on welcoming all students and providing them with the best educational opportunities. Our focus on Literacy and Numeracy, Equity and Student Success and Completion help students succeed and achieve.”