Klein ISD enrollment rebounds, surpassing pre-pandemic levels
The Klein Independent School District will end its third-quarter grading period with more students enrolled than before the pandemic.
In 2020, school districts across the state were hit hard by the impacts of COVID-19.
Students and teachers were suddenly faced with the challenges of virtual learning. When in-person classes resumed, many districts saw a decrease in enrollment.
Klein had 53,463 students in the 2018-2019 school year before the pandemic. According to the district, enrollment dropped to approximately 52,000 after students were able to return to campus.
Last week, the school district announced its student enrollment has not only recovered, but now exceeds pre-pandemic levels, with 54,013 students in the 2022-2023 school year.
Dayna Hernandez, chief of communications and planning, said the recovery was an intentional effort achieved in part by connecting with families through phone calls and house visits.
“We often do home visits,” Hernandez said. “Home visits are just a common practice that has been used by many school districts and we did some home visits to check with families to remind them most importantly that returning back to Klein ISD is safe for their children. We operate very safe buildings, and we also want to ensure families that our buildings are a healthy place for children to learn and thrive.”
As enrollment increases, the district continues adding more college and career pathways for students, with over 200 options available. Klein ISD is working on more pathways that will allow high school students to get their college associates degree while pursuing a high school diploma.
“We know that public education is an equalizer in our community, and we want to make sure that every kid is offered a high-quality public education, and we offer that Klein ISD,” Hernandez said. “We are very honored and privileged to be able to teach so many students. We’re also the largest employer in our community which is remarkable. We know that the importance of raising up great youth to the excellent citizens in our community.”
Hernandez said that at the end of the day, it is the parents’ decision to send their children back to school but said she has heard parents express their confidence in Klein ISD.
Superintendent Jenny McGown commended the staff, families, and students for the district’s accomplishments.