The Charlotte-area school districts are confronting a notable decline in student enrollment for the 2025-26 school year. According to recent data from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, only one of the twelve local districts experienced an increase in average daily membership.
Enrollment Trends in Charlotte-Area NC School Districts
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) welcomed over 141,000 students back this year. However, their enrollment saw a drop of 2,418 students, marking a decrease of approximately 1.7%. The current average daily membership stands at 139,476, the lowest since the 2010-11 school year.
Implications of Enrollment Decline
This enrollment decline poses significant challenges for district funding, as approximately 80% of state funding is calculated based on average daily membership. With the first two months of this school year’s data influencing next year’s funding calculations, CMS anticipates continued decreases annually until 2028, when projections suggest stabilization around 138,000 students.
Statewide Context and Declining Birth Rates
- Statewide, 105 out of 115 North Carolina public school districts reported a total decline of 24,110 students or about 1.8%.
- Charlotte-area charter school enrollment has risen, contrasting traditional public school trends.
- Birth rates have declined, contributing to overall enrollment decreases, confirmed by Heather Koons from Public Schools First NC.
Local District Enrollment Changes
Comparatively, Stanly County Schools maintained a stable enrollment of 8,719 students. Meanwhile, Cabarrus County Schools witnessed a negligible decrease of 15 students. Other nearby districts, such as Catawba County and Union County, faced similar small reductions in student numbers.
| District | Change in Enrollment | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | -2,418 | -1.7% |
| Stanly County Schools | 0 | 0% |
| Cabarrus County Schools | -15 | -0.1% |
| Union County Public Schools | -1,049 | -2.5% |
| Iredell-Statesville Schools | -577 | -2.8% |
This ongoing trend of enrollment decline in Charlotte-area NC school districts reflects broader shifts in demographics and parental choices regarding education. School systems must navigate these changes while ensuring that quality education remains a priority.
