Student Enrollment On Upswing Again In Newark Public Schools

NEWARK, NJ — It wasn’t long ago that New Jersey had control over the Newark Public School District, the largest in the state. During that time, enrollment dropped to an “all-time low.” But now, the number of students attending class in the Brick City’s public schools is on the upswing again, administrators recently reported.

After being run by the state for decades, the district regained local control in 2018. Three years later, the enrollment numbers have risen to 38,000 students – and it’s still growing, according to school officials.

“Year in and year out, families are voting with their feet by enrolling their children in our schools,” Superintendent Roger León said.

District administrators said the city’s approved universal enrollment system, Newark Enrolls, has made it easier for families to find the appropriate school for their kids.

Board of Education President Dawn Haynes said the district’s recent enrollment growth shows that the board’s 10-year strategic plan is working.

“I am so proud of the enrollment growth the district is experiencing,” Haynes said.

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