Slow but steady growth in 2017

Enrollment in public, private and home schools has maintained a 2 percent growth level, according to a recent countywide enrollment report released this month.

This is an increase of 279 students compared to 2016. A grand total of 16,053 students attend schools in the valley.

Over the past decade, schools underwent a 7 percent increase — or 1,107 students.

The data comes from an official fall enrollment count taken in October and compiled by the office of the Flathead County superintendent of schools in the 2017 Statistical Report of Schools.

A second enrollment count will be taken in February. Figures from both counts are reported to the state and averaged to determine state funding levels for public schools.

Grades kindergarten through eighth grade — referred to as elementary districts — typically see the most growth and this year’s statistical report is no different.

Public elementary districts increased by 142 students (1 percent) over last year for a total enrollment of 9,970. Private and home schools gained 104 students (8 percent) for a total enrollment of 1,426.

A 10-year comparison shows all elementary and middle schools accommodated 1,055 more students (10 percent), with the bulk of those students, 791, attending public schools.

Some school districts are in different phases of construction — or have completed projects in recent years — in attempts to keep pace with continued enrollment increases.

Kalispell Public Schools is in the midst of building Rankin Elementary on Airport Road and upgrading its five existing elementary schools through a $25.3 million bond.

Although the elementary district decreased by 15 students (0 percent) compared to 2016, Kalispell’s elementary and middle schools gained the most public school students in the valley over the past decade absorbing 252 more students (9 percent). Total enrollment was reported at 3,025 students. Kalispell Superintendent Mark Flatau said he is grateful the new school will open in August 2018. The district is also planning ahead and will purchase 12 acres north of Kalispell as a future elementary site contingent on voter approval.

Whitefish School District is planning to build a new elementary school and demolish portions of Muldown Elementary through a $26.5 million bond.

Whitefish’s kindergarten through eighth-grade population grew by 41 students (3 percent) over last year for a total enrollment of 1,266 students. The past decade has brought in 136 more students (12 percent).

Enrollment continues to rise at West Valley School, which opened a new addition in the 2015-16 school year to accommodate growth. Compared to 2016, there are 23 more students (4 percent).

There are 211 more students (52 percent) in West Valley than 10 years ago.

There’s still room for more students according to West Valley Superintendent Cal Ketchum, who, like Flatau, tries to keep an eye on commercial and residential development.

Home schooling is still on the rise throughout the valley and had the largest year-to-year increase of kindergarten through eighth-grade students, 98 (17 percent). The report shows that 664 students in the valley are home schooled. Over 10 years, that gain jumps to 351 students (112 percent).

Although Columbia Falls’ elementary district increased by 23 students (2 percent) it wasn’t enough to counteract a 10-year decrease of 105 students (-7 percent). Total enrollment is 1,458 students, according to the report.

Columbia Falls High School also experienced decreased enrollment. There are 19 fewer students (-3 percent) compared to last year and 206 fewer students (-25 percent) over 10 years. Total enrollment was reported at 624 students.

Kalispell’s two high schools had the most growth with 63 more students (2 percent) over last year and 291 students (11 percent) over the past decade.

Public high schools overall had 53 more students this year, a 1 percent growth. A total of 4,319 students are enrolled in the county’s four high schools. Enrollment has been flat at the high school level over the past decade showing an increase of 18 students (0 percent).

Private and home schools overall reported a decrease of 20 students (-6 percent) from last year with total enrollment at 338 students. Over 10 years, however, enrollment rose by 34 students (11 percent) over 10 years.

The full report is available at https://flathead.mt.gov/schools.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.