I am in southern NH.
There was a recent article here in Nashua about how school enrollment is down in the town.
This is happening across the country/world. Less babies = less kids in school.
However, the charter school down the street has to do a lottery and test system because so many want to send their child there. It is called the Academy of Science & Design.
It opened about six years ago. Rents space in a commercial building. It has had to move to a larger space twice since opening.
There are no major sports programs at this charter school. They do have track and field. I am not even sure they have a gymnasium. They certainly do not have a lighted football stadium or multiple baseball fields or any of the other EXPENSIVE sports.
There is a line of cars to drop children off at this school every morning. Lots of Teslas/BMWs/Mercedes/Lexus and other high end vehicles.
That is because you have to be smart to attend this school.
You have to pass a test to get in. Then it is free IF you are a NH resident. Yet, bussing is only provided if you live in the city of Nashua. So, lots of surrounding town residents are attending. Even some driving up from MA. They do allow a few kids from MA.
This school has become the number one rated middle/high school in the state. So much so that people are pulling their kids out of private schools to go there.
Lastly, based on my personal views of the people waiting in line to drop off their children I would guess that EVERY ASIAN AMERICAN in the area is sending their kids there.
“the charter school down the street has to do a lottery and test system because so many want to send their child there.”
Great post! This identical story is playing out all over the country. Small charter schools focusing on traditional or classical learning, no expensive sports, etc., are doing great and are luring the smart students away from the mainstream public schools in droves.
There is still the problem of the enrollment cliff and birthrates that the article discusses. It is indeed compounded though by other issues, including the one you describe.