All across the country, enrollment in K-12 public schools is declining. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) estimated that from 2019 to 2023, public school enrollment dropped by over 1.2 million students nationwide, especially in middle and elementary schools. In Florida, districts have reported lower numbers since the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, with large districts such as Miami-Dade and Orange County reporting a 13,000 and 7,000 enrollment decrease, respectively. Lee Country has not been unaffected, nearly losing 2,000 students. Experts state that enrollment numbers will continue to decrease in the coming years, forcing schools to adapt to these demographic shifts.
Various factors play a role in declining enrollment in public schools. Legislation changes with the school choice program, a policy which allows students to receive education outside of their assigned public school, along with the explosion of interest in alternate schooling, like private, charter, and homeschooling options, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to a shift away from public schools.
These enrollment losses can lead to budget cuts and teacher shortages, as funding is determined by the number of students attending public schools. Additionally, art programs, electives, and extracurricular activities may be cut and may even result in the closure of schools without enough student enrollment.