Monday, Oct. 26, 2009

By the numbers: Richland, Lexington enrollment

Schools in Richland 2, in northern Richland County, and Lexington 1, in and around the town of Lexington, are continuing their rapid growth in student enrollment this fall.

Each district added more than 700 pupils - the size of a new elementary school - since the previous academic year.

A slow economy isn't diminishing the influx of families who are attracted to schools rated among the best in South Carolina, officials in each district said.

Enrollment also jumped in Lexington 2 schools, an unexpected increase officials attribute to young families settling in the Cayce-West Columbia area.

Richland 2 is still the largest Midlands district. Enrollment in Richland 1, the second-largest district, is down slightly this year.

Lexington 4, in the Gaston-Swansea area, did not supply the figures.

A closer look at the numbers in Richland and Lexington counties:

RICHLAND 1

2009-10 student enrollment (as of Sept. 15): 23,238

2008-09 enrollment (as of September): 23,342

Difference: Decrease of 104

RICHLAND 2

2009-10 student enrollment (as of Oct. 19): 24,394

2008-09 enrollment (as of May): 23,655

Difference: Increase of 739

LEXINGTON 1

Current enrollment (as of Sept. 15): 21,930

2008-09 enrollment (as of March 25): 21,228

Difference: Increase of 702

LEXINGTON 2

Current enrollment (as of Oct. 19): 9,030

2008-09 enrollment (as of March 25): 8,549

Difference: Increase of 481

LEXINGTON 3

Current enrollment (as of Oct. 20): 2,061

2008-09 enrollment (as of May 20): 2,032

Difference: Increase of 29

LEXINGTON 4

Unavailable

LEXINGTON-RICHLAND 5

Current enrollment (as of Oct. 15): 16,400

2008-09 enrollment (as of March 25): 16,426

Difference: Increase of 26

- Staff writers Tim Flach and Carolyn Click

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