New York Parents No Longer Sending Their Kids To Kindergarten
According to experts, there has been a significant decline in kindergarten enrollment in city public schools as many parents are losing confidence in the troubled education system. The citywide enrollment of kindergarten students dropped by a staggering 33% over the last seven school years, from 82,517 to 55,288, as per data obtained from the city Department of Education.
District 9 in The Bronx experienced the most significant decline, with a 29% drop and 690 fewer kindergartners registering. Other Bronx districts also saw enrollment declines of 25% or more. District 5 in Manhattan, which covers parts of Central Harlem, East Harlem, and West Harlem, saw its kindergarten enrollment decrease by almost a quarter.
A significant number of students are transferring out of New York City, with over 37,600 students leaving traditional public schools. Meanwhile, charter schools have witnessed notable enrollment gains, with over 20,000 students, a growth of 18% in recent years.
Parents cite concerns about the quality of education in public schools, leading many to opt for charter schools, which they believe offer better opportunities and a more enriching educational experience. Charter schools have shown superior performance in test results, further contributing to their popularity among parents.
In addition to a decline in birth rates, the exodus from public schools can be attributed to widespread concerns about the low standards of the education system in New York City. Many parents feel that general-ed public schools might not adequately meet their child’s needs and seek alternative educational options for their children.
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