Memphis schools lost more than 2,000 students this year, early data shows

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) have seen a significant decline in enrollment this year, losing over 2,000 students compared to last August. As of the end of the first month of classes, the district had 101,000 registered students, a 2.2% decrease from the previous year's count of 103,280. This enrollment drop marks the beginning of a decade-long trend in the district, with a 9% reduction from 2014 to spring 2025.

However, the initial enrollment numbers have exceeded the MSCS leaders' projections, which had estimated around 99,000 students for the year.

Executive Director of Accountability Bill White attributed the enrollment decrease to an increase in school options, such as private school vouchers, and declining birth rates in the Shelby County area. Despite the early projection of around 99,000 students, the actual enrollment count surpassed that expectation. White also mentioned that school staff will intensify parent outreach in the following weeks to address barriers to enrollment, including issues with uniforms and essential supplies.

The district's enrollment stability, observed between August 25 and August 28, followed a slight enrollment increase in the 2024-25 school year. However, the finalized data for the 2025-26 school year is yet to be released. The decreased enrollment results in less annual education funding from the state. MSCS leaders are already dealing with increased facility maintenance costs and have already closed five schools this year due to chronic underenrollment. More closures are anticipated in the near future.

The $1.7 billion budget for this year is lower than last year's $1.9 billion total, and includes cuts to COVID-era support staff. As enrollment tends to decrease slightly throughout the year, the exact fluctuation remains uncertain. In 2024, the district started the year with over 109,000 students but saw a decline to nearly 106,000 by the end of the year.