EPS Enrollment Soars to 7,500
With 280 more students this fall than last, Enid Public Schools continues to be one of Oklahoma’s fastest growing districts.
School officials attribute the enrollment trend to a growing number of young families, a healthy local economy and more students selecting EPS as their district of choice. The district currently serves 7,540 students, compared to 7,259 last year. The district has grown by 1,000 students in the last five years.
“This is great news for Enid and for our district,” Superintendent Shawn Hime said. “Enid is a vibrant, growing community and we are proud to offer schools that contribute to its success. As our enrollment climbs, we are able to offer even more courses and activities for our students. The future is bright for the district and the families we serve.”
According to Hime, the district’s enrollment has far outpaced enrollment estimates developed just four years ago. EPS currently serves 514 more students than predicted for this school year, having reached an enrollment total not expected until 2016.
A significant portion of the enrollment increase can be attributed to Enid High School, which has more than 70 students this year than last. The district recently broke ground on a 20-classroom University Center which will provide needed learning space for the growing school.
“The remodel of the existing school and the construction of the University Center will assist with growth at EHS,” Hime said. “We converted space inside the school to provide more classrooms, and the University Center will have state-of-the art classrooms and science labs for college-level, Advanced Placement and traditional high school courses. Enid’s students deserve the best facilities and the best instruction, and that’s what they’ll find at EHS.”
EPS elementary enrollment continues to increase at a steady rate as well. This year the district opened two new schools, each with a capacity of 650 students, to assist with needed classroom space.
Current enrollment at Garfield and Prairie View is 598 and 368, respectively. Remaining classrooms in both schools will help accommodate future growth, especially near Prairie View where additional housing developments are expected.
“With extensive planning and amazing community support, we have been able to prepare for enrollment growth and stay ahead of the curve,” Hime said. “It’s an ongoing process, and we’ll continue to set goals and plan for the future. A growing district means progress, and it’s our responsibility to maximize every opportunity for our students and our community.”
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