WATCH ABOVE: Student growth across the city is unprecedented and finding a place to put everyone is also a growing challenge. Kendra Slugoski reports.
EDMONTON — Both the Catholic and public school districts say they are experiencing ‘unprecedented growth’ not seen in Edmonton in decades.
Edmonton Public anticipates enrolment of 92,388 for the 2015/2016 year; nearly 3,000 more students than last year.
Catholic schools are preparing to accommodate 1,400 new students.
On Tuesday, the province admitted four schools scheduled to open fall 2016 were delayed. Both districts said construction delays impact their schools, but that student learning would not be negatively affected.
READ MORE: Opening dates of several Edmonton schools pushed back
So, just how much pressure are schools feeling because of booming populations and enrolment? Here’s a look by the numbers:
8 – The number of Kindergarten classes at Michael Strembitsky School this year
1,400 – The number of additional students Edmonton Catholic Schools expects to have this year
2,868 – The number of additional students Edmonton Public Schools expects to have this year
4 – The number of Edmonton schools that were scheduled to be complete for fall 2016 that have now been delayed
14 – The number of new schools Edmonton Public will open over the next two years
10 – The number of new schools Edmonton Public has opened since 2009
7 – The number of new Catholic schools currently under construction
25 – The number of new families Edmonton Catholic schools are welcoming each day (since June 2015)
6 – The number of Grade 2 classes at Michael Strembitsky School this year
The growth is particularly pronounced in south Edmonton, where an increasing number of young families live.
Michael Strembitsky Public School, located in Summerside, currently has 1,046 students enrolled for the 2015-2016 year. Last year, there were 906 students enrolled.
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