Darien Has 20% Fewer Students Than It Used To

DARIEN, IL – Darien's three elementary school districts have seen enrollment drops over the last couple of decades.

Last school year, 3,066 students attended the three districts (chart below), according to state numbers. That's down from 3,869 in 2006.

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That amounts to a 21 percent decrease, which compares to 12 percent statewide. Neighboring Burr Ridge's three locally based districts saw enrollment fall 17 percent over the 20 years.

Darien District 61 experienced the biggest plunge locally, at 27 percent. With 1,209 students last school year, the district recorded the lowest enrollment since 2006, when it had more than 1,600.

Over the same time, Center Cass District 66 and Cass District 63's enrollment fell 15 percent and 18 percent, respectively.

In response to Patch's inquiry, Center Cass Superintendent Andrew Wise said the district's demographer projected an 8 percent to 11 percent enrollment increase on the horizon.

It is attributed to birth rate data showing the number of kindergarteners is expected to rise a lot in 2028 and continue for the forseeable future, he said.

He also said newly constructed and proposed housing could impact the district starting next August.

"The District is taking proactive measures to obtain data and prepare for enrollment increases," Wise said in an email.

Drops in Illinois public school enrollment have been attributed to falling birth rates and people moving to other states.

The three Darien districts extend into neighboring towns.