Rock Hill Schools see sharp enrollment decline

ROCK HILL, S.C. — Rock Hill Schools are losing hundreds of students each year, and district leaders are unsure why.

According to reports from the Herald, enrollment in the area has dropped nearly 13% in the past decade.

That equates to more than 400 fewer students just this year.

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According to the Herald, many families are moving to other districts or choosing charter schools.

The decline could soon make Rock Hill the third-largest district in the region.

Rock Hill is currently the second-largest district, behind Fort Mill.

A representative from Rock Hill Schools reached out to Channel 9 Friday morning with the following statistics from a presentation on enrollment:

Rock Hill Schools currently serves 15,621 students, a decrease of 432 students from last year. Of those who left:

• 237 moved out of the district

• 47 enrolled in charter schools

• 26 began homeschooling

• 17 joined private schools

• 12 formally withdrew

• The rest are unknown

While enrollment numbers naturally fluctuate each year, the majority of families who left moved out of our Rock Hill.

The district continues to monitor enrollment trends closely and explore ways to strengthen programs, communication, and school experiences that help keep families in our district. At the same time, we want to keep our focus on - and celebrate - the 15,500+ students and families who choose Rock Hill Schools every day.

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