First look: Miami's public schools lose about 12,000 students
Preliminary enrollment numbers suggest the Miami-Dade County Public School District has nearly 12,100 fewer students enrolled so far this year compared to last.
Why it matters: Miami is already facing a budget deficit upwards of $50 million, officials have said, and a continued decline in enrollment will mean even fewer dollars, as public schools are funded on a per-pupil basis.
- Continued monetary shortfalls could lead to major changes in the district, including job cuts or hindering the growth of programs like International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement classes.
By the numbers: As of Oct. 18, 236,519 students were enrolled in traditional public schools, compared to 248,949 in October 2024.
- Charter schools saw an increase of about 250 students, according to the district.
Overall, 323,297 students were enrolled in the district on the first day of school this year, compared to 335,474 at the start of the 2024-25 year.
Yes, but: The numbers from the first days of the school year, which began Aug. 14, don't reflect the final enrollment numbers for the 2025-26 school year.
- Official counts occur throughout the year, with the first happening in October.
The big picture: The decline in traditional public schools comes as enrollment in charter, private and homeschooling across the state has surged in recent years, thanks to the state's expanded voucher program.
- In a news event last week, Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas said more than 500,000 students are benefiting from the state's scholarship program.
- He said 1.4 million — nearly half of the state's student population — are benefiting from school choice opportunities.