Public school enrollment is declining across the country. Check out the statistics – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

The landscape of education in America is rapidly changing as more and more parents are choosing to opt their children out of public schools. According to a recent analysis by NBC News of Census Bureau data, the share of children ages 5 to 17 enrolled in public schools has decreased by almost 4 percentage points from 2012 to 2022, despite an overall increase in the population.

The analysis revealed some striking trends across different states. In Kentucky, the share of school-age children in public schools decreased by almost 8 percentage points, while in South Carolina and Alaska, the share of children enrolled in public schools decreased by 7.4 and nearly 7 percentage points, respectively. On the other hand, the share of children enrolled in private schools increased by 2 percentage points during the same period.

This shift in enrollment patterns has been attributed to the rise of charter schools and various school choice programs that have gained momentum in recent years. Advocates of school choice argue that these programs provide families with more options and flexibility in choosing the best educational environment for their children. However, critics raise concerns about the impact of these policies on public schools, particularly in terms of funding and resources.

As states continue to implement school choice programs and parents seek alternatives to traditional public schools, the future of education in America remains uncertain. With ongoing debates over curriculum, funding, and enrollment, educators and researchers are closely monitoring the evolving landscape of education to ensure that all students have access to quality and equitable learning opportunities.