Detroit Schools Have More Students Than Projected
DPSCD says parents are responding to new leadership and programs.
Detroit’s public schools have more students than expected so far this year.
The district expected to have 48,524 students by Count Day next week. It counted 49,301 enrolled last Friday.
DPSCD Superintendent Nikolai Vitti said parents are responding to the energy and commitment of the district’s new leadership. He suggested anyone who’s skeptical about city schools visit.
“I think parents will be pleasantly surprised by what they’re seeing in our schools,” Vitti said. “Meaning that it’s time to overcome the negative perception of our school system, and instead actually visit our schools.”
Vitti said new STEM and Montessori programs are just some of the offerings parents find appealing. He also said having local control and new leadership from an elected school board has changed how people feel about the district.
“There’s A new sense of ownership…pride and connection,” Vitti said. ” Rather than feeling that the district is run by outsiders it’s controlled by local elected officials.”
This year’s count includes students who were attending schools run by the Education Achievement Authority last year. But the current enrollment is higher than projected even with the 11 former EAA schools and an expected increase in enrollment.
