Since 2019, enrollment in the San Mateo Union High School District has begun showing a decrease. As of this school year, there are 9,482 students in the District. By 2027, this number is expected to drop to 8,820. This decline may be influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and can lead to varying issues among schools.
The 2022-23 school year is predicted to experience an enrollment decrease of 2.7%, or 261 students, according to the SMUHSD Department of Students Services. Over the next ten years, some schools may face up to a 10% decrease in enrollment rates.
According to Student Services Director Don Scatena, COVID-19 has played a role in this decline.
“It’s the first time we’ve seen a decrease in [our district’s] enrollment in probably eight years,” Scatena said. “There’s either a gradual or a steep decrease for schools. That has been exacerbated by the pandemic and the economics in and around our community. It’s been more difficult for families to stay in the area.”
The rise of COVID-19 in 2020 led to a large number of people worldwide being let go from their jobs. More than 1,500 people were unemployed in San Mateo as of March 2020. This number increased to 6,275 by April of 2020, according to Data Commons. This increase in unemployment cut off income for many families in the area, causing some to move to more affordable locations. A report from the University of California indicated that between September of 2021 and March of 2021, the amount of people leaving the Bay Area increased by 21%.
A decline in enrollment can lead to many consequences. Most public schools in California rely heavily on state funding, which is partly distributed based on average daily attendance. With less state funding, programs may be cut, which can have damaging effects on students hoping to expand their academic horizons. Additionally, some students are in need of special help programs that may be cut if enrollment numbers decrease.
“There are certain schools that are falling into a number of enrollment that could be viewed as compromising to programs that they have existing now, meaning support programs, career technical programs and individual elective programs,” Scatena said. “We have to pay close attention because we have to plan for potential programmatic shifts and shifts in enrollment.”
Some students, such as sophomore Analysa Ossio, have shown concern over this decrease in enrollment.
“Having a big community at our school is very important, especially with diversity,” Ossio said. “Declining enrollment can lead to a less diverse campus, which can mean that there are going to be a lot more minorities who don’t have a lot of support.”
Aragon had 1,728 students during the 2020 school year. Before COVID-19, the number of students enrolled in the school had been increasing, and for Aragon specifically, numbers are expected to remain similar in the coming years. Other schools in the District are facing steeper declines.
“Aragon is showing to be plateaued in their enrollment,” Scatena said. “Schools in the north [of SMUHSD] like Cappuccino, Mills and even Burlingame will see a steeper decline than the schools in the south like Hillsdale, Aragon and San Mateo. It’s based on K-8 enrollments.”
COVID-19 and population numbers are not the only reason that SMUHSD-bound students might leave the District. During the transition from grades eight to nine, some students find that they would prefer to attend a private school or a school that tailors more to their individual needs.
Sophomore Jaden Lim currently attends Junipero Serra High School after being originally slated for Aragon. Lim opted out of Aragon to join the sports programs offered at Serra, preferring the environment there.
“I felt more confident going to Serra than Aragon,” Lim said. “I knew kids at Serra and some coaches, so I already knew what I was gonna get. It’s been a positive experience so far. I’m close with all of my teachers and a lot of my classmates.”
Freshman Ella Carter currently attends Khan Lab School, a smaller sized private school. She was initially drawn to the school because of the independence and college credit opportunities that it provides. Carter, however, has made the decision to switch back to the SMUHSD for her upcoming sophomore year.
“I’m excited for football games and those social activities that I don’t get at my school,” Carter said. “It’s kind of difficult because you’ll see all your friends having the best time at [these events], but you don’t really have that opportunity, so I’m excited to have the normal high school experience.”
Students choose their high schools for a variety of reasons. For some, a smaller school environment can be more beneficial, while others long for the ambiance created by large schools.
“I had a sibling who went to private school,” Ossio said. “For me personally, it didn’t feel like the right choice. It’s how you feel you fit in with the community, the campus and the opportunities that are given to you at [your] school.”
Ultimately, personal preferences and the pandemic seem to have contributed to the decrease in SMUHSD enrollment. COVID-19 itself has caused many changes over the past couple of years, with the declining enrollment being just one consequence. The SMUHSD will continue to monitor these numbers in the coming years to maintain the programs and environment that are currently offered.
