A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

A Back to School Special Report on the Baby Boom Echo: America's Schools Are Overcrowded and Wearing Out -- (August 17, 1999)

Figure 2. -- Enrollment in public and private elementary and secondary schools: Fall 1969 to fall 2009

In fall 1999, public and private school enrollment is projected to surpass the previous high of 1998, and is expected to increase every year through 2006.

From fall 1972 to fall 1984, total elementary and secondary school enrollment decreased every year, reflecting a decline in the school-age population over that period.

From fall 1985 to fall 1999, the pattern changed again as enrollment increased significantly at the elementary school level. Elementary school enrollment is projected to continue growing slowly through 2002, and then decline slightly, ending at a level in 2009 similar to 1998. In contrast, secondary school enrollment is expected to rise by 9 percent between 1999 and 2009, from 14.9 million to 16.2 million, as current elementary school students move into high school.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Projections of Education Statistics to 2009


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[ Figure 1. -- Annual number of births, with projections: 1948 to 2009 ] [ Table of Contents ] [ Figure 3. -- Number of 3- to 5-year olds and preprimary enrollment: 1989 to 2009 ]

Last Updated -- August 16, 1998, (smj)