JOPLIN, Mo. —
Joplin’s public and Catholic schools reported slight dips in enrollment on Wednesday, the first day of the new school year.
Public schools in Neosho and Webb City recorded significant increases.
JOPLIN
The Joplin School District saw some decreases from last year, but Superintendent C.J. Huff said he believes the numbers are pretty stable and are likely to increase after the Labor Day holiday.
Combined enrollment at all elementary schools is down by about 35 students from last year, to a total 3,533 on the first day of school.
The three middle schools show a slight gain of about 15 students, totaling 1,646.
At the ninth- and 10th-grade campus, enrollment is up by about 88 students, totaling 1,124. The 11th- and 12th-grade campus is down by about 120 students, totaling 948. Huff said that number may be skewed because the district thinks some seniors had enough credits that they didn’t have to attend first hour, when attendance was counted.
“(The numbers) can change tomorrow as we clean up our data,” Huff said.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
St. Mary’s Elementary School’s enrollment dipped slightly on the first day, down by about 15 students from last year, to about 180.
“The first day is going well,” said Principal Steven Jones. “The numbers are down just a little bit. Some people have moved in, some moved out, and not as many preschoolers have come in.”
At St. Peter’s Middle School, the numbers are slightly up from last year, totaling 81 students on the first day of school, said Caitlin Durbin, school secretary.
McAuley Catholic High School’s enrollment has increased, up to 103 students from 99 last year.
“I’m very excited about this year as I know all the area schools are,” said Principal Gene Koester. “We feel like we had the summer to be able to replenish goals and get back on task, and we’re looking forward to a variety of programs we’ve instituted.”
MARTIN LUTHER SCHOOL
Enrollment is up at Martin Luther School in Joplin, from 119 students at the end of last year to 125 this year. Classes began Wednesday.
“This is our second year of increased enrollment,” said Principal Jeremy Schamber. “A lot of it has to do with a solid Christian education and family atmosphere. We’re just continuing to do what’s in the best interest of the kids.”
Schamber said the school also has changed its marketing methods when reaching out to new families.
“We have interviews with the families to make sure we’re a good fit and develop a solid relationship right from the beginning,” he said. “It’s so good to have the kids back. I’ve missed them over the summer. I’ve had so many hugs today it’s just made my day.”
NEOSHO
The Neosho School District’s first-day attendance was 4,408, up 240 from 4,168 last year. That is an increase of nearly 6 percent.
Crystal Heiskell, administrative assistant for curriculum and instruction, said the district has been growing, and it ended last year with enrollment of 4,340.
“We have many people coming to Neosho and making it their home,” she said.
WEBB CITY
The Webb City School District saw first-day attendance on Wednesday of 4,102, compared with 4,024 last year. That is an increase of nearly 2 percent.
OTHER SCHOOLS
Carl Junction, Carthage and College Heights Christian School in Joplin are slated to start the new year today. Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School in Joplin will begin classes Tuesday.
METRO EDITOR ANDY OSTMEYER contributed to this report.
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