Enrollment

The number of students heading to college is projected to decline after this fall. The financial impact is putting some Missouri institutions at risk.

School boards in the Ferguson-Florissant and Riverview Garden school districts retain most incumbent leaders to bring stability as they navigate financial uncertainty.

A demographic survey commissioned by the school board found the district is projected to lose anywhere from 800 to 1,000 students over the next decade.

The Missouri State Board of Education approved the application for Friendly Academy, a new charter school in St. Louis Public Schools. The decision comes as the school district is consolidating and closing some schools due to low enrollment and expensive maintenance on older buildings.

Hundreds of students in the Hazelwood School District were not enrolled in classes this school year. Parents say officials told them this week they must reregister their children, which left many frustrated. The district said it switched enrollment systems and is experiencing technical issues.

On the first day of school, high numbers of freshman at the University of Missouri led to standing room only in some classes and makeshift dorm rooms.

The district’s facilities were assessed by an architecture firm, which found that almost half of the schools will need to be closed or renovated in the next decade.

In April, Collinsville Unit School District #10 announced it’s considering closing the school due to declining enrollment and would hold three hearings to receive public input.

Public school enrollment is relatively flat this year, compared to last year. But it is still down from recent years, and experts say more decline is likely coming.

Harris-Stowe State University has a five-year strategic plan to better prepare students for careers in science and technology and secure the university’s accreditation. The plan aims to improve student achievement rates, retention, innovation, academic assessments, service and fiscal responsibility.