Newton Public Schools face enrollment decline post-pandemic as families seek private options

The Newton School Committee convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss various topics concerning student enrollment trends and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local education. The meeting focused on the collection of student data, the shifting enrollment patterns, and the implications for the Newton Public Schools.

The session began with a discussion on the types of data the district is required to collect from students, which includes name, date of birth, gender, grade level, and address. This foundational information is crucial for understanding enrollment demographics.

Committee members then addressed the noticeable trend of students leaving Newton Public Schools for private institutions, particularly during the pandemic when many private schools continued in-person education. It was noted that a significant cohort of students opted for private schooling, and many have not returned, indicating a potential long-term shift in enrollment. The discussions highlighted that families expressed dissatisfaction with Newton Public Schools during interviews, citing unpredictability and a lack of confidence in the district's offerings as reasons for their departure.

Further inquiries were made regarding comparisons of enrollment percentages with neighboring towns. While the committee did not have immediate data available, they acknowledged the need to provide this information to address community perceptions about local educational options.

The conversation also touched on specific elementary schools with higher percentages of students attending non-public schools. The committee noted that geographic proximity to private institutions, such as Schechter School, likely influences these trends. They recognized that Ward, in particular, has consistently had a high percentage of students enrolled in non-public education, which has increased slightly since pre-pandemic levels.

Lastly, the committee discussed the importance of understanding why families withdraw from Newton Public Schools. Although a withdrawal form is provided to families, not all respond, and the committee is working to improve response rates. They acknowledged the need for better data collection regarding families leaving for special education needs, which could inform future outreach efforts to encourage families to return.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the challenges faced by Newton Public Schools in retaining students post-pandemic and the necessity for data-driven strategies to address enrollment declines. The committee plans to follow up on the discussed data comparisons and enhance their understanding of the factors influencing student departures.