The number of public schools in New York City is expected to decrease, mirroring a broader decline in the city’s population since last year. Projections from the New York City School Construction Authority indicate that by the 2034-2035 school year, around 721,251 students will be enrolled, which marks a drop of 153,000 from the figures for 2024-2025.
Over the next decade, every borough is anticipated to see enrollment declines, with Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx facing the most significant losses—45,000, 43,000, and 35,000 students respectively. This trend is attributed to declining birth rates, people moving away, and an aging population. The School Construction Authority has prepared these statistical projections to inform planning for public schools over a ten-year period.
This situation reflects a nationwide trend where major urban centers are grappling with dwindling student numbers as parents explore alternatives to local public schools. According to recent reports, 30 states across the U.S. have witnessed declines in public school enrollment since the mid-2010s.
This year alone, New York City’s public schools have seen a reduction of 22,000 students. Currently, there are approximately 906,248 students enrolled, down from over 1,002,000 at the start of the 2019-2020 academic year. This loss of students is notable, especially given that the Department of Education’s data indicates only 884,400 students are in traditional public schools.
An official from New York City Public Schools mentioned that enrollment numbers can change for various reasons. They emphasized the commitment to delivering quality education while closely monitoring these trends. The district has plans to support stability and equity in education regardless of changes in enrollment.
Compounding these challenges, a recent study by the Citizens Budget Committee suggests New York City lost more residents last year than it gained, with predictions of a net loss of around 114,000 domestic residents by 2025. This shift is likely due to the search for better value, including lower living costs and taxes elsewhere.
Notably, the city’s Mayor and the Department of Education have yet to respond to requests for comments on this matter.
