NEW SALEM — An uptick in enrollment means Swift River School will likely have fewer slots for School Choice students in the coming years, according to Principal Kelley Sullivan.
The school serves students from New Salem, where it is located, and Wendell, but also accommodates those who elect to attend through School Choice. Sullivan said these students typically live in Orange, Athol or Petersham.
“Our preschool numbers for last year, this year and next year, we’re maxing out with our own students, which leaves us very few openings for School Choice, if any,” Sullivan said in her office this week.
Since school year 2012-2013, enrollment has increased from 137 to 172. Sullivan said 29 current students are there via School Choice, whereas the average is 26. Swift River School ranges from pre-kindergarten to sixth grade.
Sullivan, in her fourth year as principal, said this temporary scenario is not the norm, as most school populations are declining. She said Wendell’s enrollment has had the most significant increase during her tenure, going from 47 in the 2013 and 2014 fiscal years to 76 now.
Kelley said she is unsure what has caused this spike, “but I do think we have a very good school.”
The principal said individual family situations can make it difficult to forecast impending enrollment.
Sullivan explained a student who once lived in New Salem or Wendell and moved outside of the towns can still attend Swift River School but must first apply through School Choice.
“We want to do what’s best for our families, and if they started with us we would certainly love to keep them with us,” she said.
You can reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com
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