Enrollment in D.C. Public Schools is projected to increase for the first time since the 1970s because of an influx of young students, according to the Washington Examiner.
More than 5,200 3- and 4-year-olds are expected in September. That is almost a 30 percent jump from 2001, according to enrollment figures from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education.
Over the years, the District would struggle to fill pre-kindergarten classes, but that has changed.
“We now have waiting lists,” said schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee.
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
From Northwest to Southeast, 14 D.C. schools have waiting lists for pre-kindergarten and pre-school classes for the first time in their history.
The pre-schoolers have boosted the school system's enrollment projection from 44,700 this year to 44,900 next year, the Washington Examiner reported.
The D.C. City Council has pledged funding for education when it passed the Pre-K Expansion and Enhancement Act of 2008.
Fan, Follow and Text: Get the latest from NBCWashington.com anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Sign up for our e-mail newsletters and get breaking news delivered right to your mobile phone -- just text DCBREAKING to 622339 to sign up. (Message and data rates may apply.)
