Massachusetts Education Landscape Shifts as Public Schools Decline and Private Demand Grows

Public School Enrollment in Massachusetts: A Shifting Landscape Since COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about many challenging shifts in education, and one of the most noticeable changes appears to be the evolving patterns of school enrollment across Massachusetts. As debates over public versus private education intensify in our communities, the data shows that public school enrollment has dipped by about 2% since the pandemic shuttered classrooms in 2020, resulting in a loss of roughly 16,000 students. Meanwhile, private schools have experienced a boost of 14%, and homeschooling has surged by 45% over the same period. In this opinion editorial, we take a closer look at these trends, discuss the reasons behind them, and consider what these shifts mean for the future of both our public education system and our communities.

Over the past five years, families have been forced to weigh a series of tricky parts and tangled issues when deciding on their children’s schools. Concerns that range from academic rigor to classroom behavioral challenges have led many to consider a change. The conversation is not just about numbers, however—it touches on culture, community involvement, and the long-term health of educational institutions. Among these issues are subtle parts and hidden complexities that deserve a deeper discussion.

Diving into the Enrollment Data: Surprising Trends in Massachusetts Schools

Recent research conducted by Boston University has painted a clear picture: Massachusetts public schools have witnessed a steady decline since 2020. In the state’s wealthiest areas, these enrollment declines have been even more pronounced. When schools partially reopened in the fall of 2021, there was a slight rebound, giving many the temporary hope that enrollment might normalize. However, the continuation of this trend into the fall of 2024 suggests that we are dealing with more than just a short-term setback.

This period of adjustment has raised many questions. For instance, why did families who left public schools in 2020 appear to find private schools or homeschooling more attractive? What complicated pieces in the public education experience are driving these choices, and what can policymakers do to address them? The following sections explore these matters in detail.

Understanding the Shifts: More Families Turning to Private Schools and Homeschooling

The enrollment data reveals two clear shifts. First is the significant increase in private school enrollment, currently up by 14% since 2020. Second is the remarkable growth of homeschooling options, with a 45% increase over the same period. These trends indicate that many families no longer view the traditional public school model as the best option for their children’s academic or behavioral needs.

Reasons that families cite include:

Concerns over academic rigor and the belief that public schools are not providing enough challenge for high-achieving students.
A perceived uptick in behavior problems in classrooms, leading parents to worry about disruptive influences on their children’s learning.
The desire for a more tailored educational experience that aligns with a family’s educational values and long-term goals.

This bullet list underlines some of the many considerations parents face when comparing public schools with private education and homeschooling options. Though the discussion is multi-layered, the core idea is that families are actively seeking environments where they believe every student can excel—whether that means more academic challenge or a setting with fewer behavioral distractions.

Parental Concerns: Academic Rigor versus Behavioral Needs

It is clear that many of the enrollment changes stem from parental concerns. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted not only academic schedules but also the behavioral, social, and emotional skills of students. This disruption has prompted parents to ask important questions: Is the academic offering in public schools sufficiently robust? Are these institutions equipped to address recent challenges stemming from socially disruptive behaviors?

Boston University Education Policy Researcher Joshua Goodman, a co-author of the study, notes that one of the primary causes behind these shifts is that many public schools have been devoted to getting students back on track academically, which sometimes means offering support to students who may be lagging rather than providing enrichment for those who are thriving. In doing so, the needs of high-performing students may inadvertently be sidelined. These subtle details—often the small distinctions that can make a big difference—are at the heart of families’ decisions to look for alternatives.

In addition, the pandemic has affected classroom discipline. Public school educators have reported an increase in classroom distractions and disruptive behavior, which has become a concerning influence for parents who worry about the effect on their child’s ability to concentrate and succeed academically.

Table: Parental Concerns and Educational Choices

Concerns	Impact on Choice
Academic Challenge	Shift to private schools offering advanced programs
Behavioral Issues	Increase in homeschooling and private enrollment to avoid disruptions
Social and Emotional Skills	Demand for alternative environments that emphasize holistic growth

This table helps to illustrate some of the key factors families are considering when making decisions about where to educate their children. Many parents feel that if schools do not provide either sufficient challenges or stable classroom environments, then it becomes necessary to explore other options.

Wealth and Enrollment: The Uneven Distribution of Shifts

The enrollment declines are not uniform across Massachusetts. Notably, the wealthiest 20% of public school districts have faced the most dramatic drops. Districts such as Brookline, Cambridge, Newton, and Weston have seen sharper declines than other areas following the COVID-19 disruption.

For example, Brookline Public Schools experienced a drop in total enrollment from 7,777 in 2020 to 6,891 in 2021. Although there has been a slow recovery leading to just over 7,000 students in 2024, the initial loss remains a significant concern for educators, administrators, and community members alike.

The concentrated loss of students in wealthier districts may indicate that those families have easier access to alternative education options, be it private schools or homeschooling programs. In some cases, these families are also more likely to be mobile, leaving the area for reasons that include housing affordability or shifting political landscapes. As a result, the declining enrollment numbers have broader implications, not only for school funding but also for the civic engagement of communities where these families have historically contributed to local advocacy and support.

Implications for Voter Support and Community Investment

A notable but often overlooked consequence of declining public school enrollment is the potential impact on political support for schools. When parents withdraw their children from public education, it reduces the number of stakeholders directly invested in the system. Fewer students today can translate into less active parental participation and lower voter turnout tomorrow, which in turn might affect future funding and policy decisions.

School funding at the state and district levels is highly influenced by enrollment numbers. A steady decline could lead to reduced resources to support academic programs and staff, further driving a wedge between what public schools offer and what parents expect. In many ways, the long-term survival of the public education system could be at risk if policymakers do not address these underlying issues.

Comparative Examination: Public Schools Versus Private and Homeschooling Options

The discussion surrounding public school enrollment in Massachusetts is also a discussion of choice. With a surge in private school enrollment and homeschooling, parents are actively selecting alternatives that better align with their views on academic excellence and behavioral management. While each educational setting has its own strengths and weaknesses, understanding these differences is key to framing the conversation.

Consider the following observations:

Public Schools: Often characterized by large class sizes and a one-size-fits-all approach, public schools have traditionally provided broad access to education without the steep tuition required at private institutions. However, they are now frequently criticized for being too slow to adapt to increased demands for academic rigor and student discipline.
Private Schools: These institutions tend to offer more specialized curricula, smaller class sizes, and extracurricular programs geared toward advanced academic and personal development. Still, they are not accessible to everyone, not least because of higher costs and selective admissions processes.
Homeschooling: This option has grown dramatically in popularity. It offers families a highly flexible educational model that can be adapted to individual student needs, though it often requires significant time and resources from parents and can result in missed opportunities for wider social interaction.

Each of these educational models comes with its own set of pros and cons. Ultimately, the decision for many parents comes down to what they feel will offer their children the best foundation for future success. However, the trend toward alternatives necessitates that public schools ask a critical question: How do we figure a path that meets the evolving expectations of our communities?

Brookline Case Study: A Microcosm of Broader Trends

Brookline Public Schools serve as a compelling case study that highlights both the challenges and potential opportunities inherent in recent enrollment trends. In Brookline, enrollment numbers have fluctuated, declining sharply after 2020 but showing tentative signs of recovery. An examination of Brookline provides meaningful insights into how specific policies and local conditions might affect public school enrollment broadly.

Brookline’s situation is marked by several factors:

Family Mobility: A notable portion of the enrollment decline is linked to families moving out of the district because of housing affordability challenges and shifting local politics.
Specialized Programs: Some students who need more specialized support—especially those with developmental or learning disabilities—are being placed in out-of-district programs, contributing to the drop in enrollment numbers.
Local Policy and Governance: The Brookline School Committee is keenly aware of these enrollment changes. Their mission is to ensure that every student, whether they need extra help or a more advanced curriculum, is well-served by the public system. While there is an ongoing debate, the hope is that strategic policy changes can help arrest and even reverse enrollment declines in the long run.

Brookline’s data is a mix of immediate setbacks and long-term promise. An enrollment forecast study anticipates a 7.7% increase in students between 2028 and 2034. However, reaching that optimistic figure will depend heavily on whether public schools are able to work through these tricky parts and adapt to what parents now view as essential qualities in an educational environment.

Detailed Breakdown of Brookline Enrollment Data

Year	Enrollment
2020	7,777
2021	6,891
2024	Approximately 7,000
Forecast (2028-2034)	+7.7% Increase

This table provides a snapshot of Brookline’s enrollment trends, emphasizing the recovery potential if suitable strategies are implemented now to address both academic and social needs.

Policy and Funding Implications: The Broader Picture

One of the more nerve-racking outcomes of enrollment declines is the potential impact on school funding. Public school systems largely depend on enrollment numbers to justify budgets, attract state and federal funding, and invest in community programs. When enrollment shrinks, even by a modest margin, schools find themselves having to work through complicated pieces when it comes to budgeting and resource allocation.

There are several areas where policy and funding issues intersect:

Budget Shortfalls: With fewer students, public schools face decreased funding, which may lead to cuts in programs and resources. This situation is particularly concerning in districts that have historically offered advanced or specialized coursework.
Resource Allocation: Decisions about where to invest limited funds become more challenging. Should more be directed towards remedial programs or advanced coursework? The answer isn’t clear-cut, and each choice carries its own set of tricky parts and small distinctions.
Community Engagement: Enrollment declines can reduce the number of families actively involved in local school governance, which in turn can impact advocacy efforts and the overall vibrancy of community-supported education.

The interplay of these factors points to a critical need for state and local policymakers to get into discussions with educators, parents, and community leaders. Only by sorting out these issues together can we figure a path forward that both improves academic performance and addresses behavioral concerns.

Key Policy Recommendations

Engage with parents and community members to identify what changes are most needed in the classroom setting.
Increase investment in professional development for teachers aimed at managing disruptive behavior while challenging high-achieving students.
Create flexible curriculum tracks that allow for both remedial and advanced learners to thrive concurrently.
Adopt technology and remote learning solutions where appropriate to supplement traditional classroom instruction.
Monitor and adjust funding formulas to ensure that schools with declining enrollment still receive necessary support.

These recommendations are designed to address the fine points of educational needs and to make sure that public schools remain a super important pillar in the educational ecosystem.

Community Impact: The Long-Term Effects of Changing Enrollment

Beyond the immediate implications for funding and policy, declining public school enrollment carries broader consequences for communities. An essential aspect of schooling is not just the formal academic curriculum but also the role schools play in community building and civic participation.

When families start opting for private schools or homeschooling, the effect is more than a simple shift in numbers. Many critics warn that a persistent migration away from public schools may erode the local support system that keeps community schools vibrant and well-supported. With fewer parents involved in school boards and local elections, the democratic process could suffer.

For community members, public schools often represent a shared space for dialogue, debate, and the development of community values. As this shared space slowly diminishes, there is an inherent risk that additional tension – full of problems and loaded with issues – will seep into other areas of local governance and decision-making.

Community Benefits of a Robust Public Education System

Provides a unified platform for civic engagement and parent participation.
Promotes social integration among diverse groups of students.
Drives local economic growth through stable employment and community support networks.
Encourages investment in neighborhood infrastructure and local businesses.

Such benefits illustrate why it is super important for policymakers to reconnect with community members on ways to support public education. When families feel that the public school system is directly addressing their concerns and meeting their children’s needs, they are more likely to reinvest in it – both through enrollment and by voting for policies that support education.

Strategies for Retaining and Attracting Students in Public Schools

While the current trends are worrying, they are not insurmountable. One of the most promising approaches lies in asking parents directly what they are looking for and then acting to address those needs. Public schools can take concrete steps to work through complex pieces and counter the trends that have led to increased private school and homeschooling enrollment.

Some strategies that appear promising include:

Enhanced Communication: Schools must actively engage with parents to understand their concerns. This includes regular surveys, community meetings, and feedback sessions that give parents the chance to voice issues relating to both academic rigor and classroom discipline.
Tailored Learning Environments: Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all curriculum, districts can develop dual-track systems that provide both remedial support and advanced challenges. This helps ensure that every student, regardless of level, is engaged and adequately challenged.
Investing in Behavioral Programs: Improving classroom management strategies and investing in behavioral health programs can ease parents’ concerns about disruptive classroom environments. Programs aimed at developing social and emotional skills can also help restore a positive school climate.
Technological Integration: With the rapid move toward digital learning, integrating technology into classroom instruction can provide both flexibility and additional enrichment opportunities for students who need greater intellectual stimulation.

In many respects, these strategies offer a dual advantage: they work through the tricky parts of current challenges while also positioning public schools to recapture the trust of families who may have become disillusioned. Schools that manage to figure a path addressing these issues could not only stabilize enrollment but also set the stage for long-term community benefits.

Case Example: Transformative Approaches in Select Districts

Several districts have begun experimenting with innovative approaches designed to address exactly these concerns. For instance, some have partnered with local businesses and community organizations to offer extracurricular programs and internships that complement classroom learning. Others have invested in mental health resources directly within schools, aiming to create an environment where behavioral issues can be addressed proactively rather than reactively.

These experiments have shown early promise, with preliminary results indicating improvements in both student engagement and parent satisfaction. However, the success of these efforts depends on a community-focused approach and continued evaluation. It is crucial that public schools stay open to feedback and remain willing to adjust policies to better manage the fine shades and slight differences in student and parent needs.

Reflecting on the Bigger Picture: What Does the Future Hold?

The sustained evolution of school enrollment is a reflection of broader societal shifts. Parental decision-making over where to educate children is influenced by a variety of factors including academic challenge, behavioral management, and the overall quality of community life. The continuing dip in public school enrollment in Massachusetts is a clear signal that something is amiss—a signal that public schools need to be more agile in addressing both the academic and behavioral needs of their students.

This outcome requires a balanced response that both acknowledges the challenges and takes active steps for improvement. The choices parents make have far-reaching implications that extend beyond individual classrooms. They shape school funding, community engagement, and ultimately, the local political landscape.

While some may view these trends as an inevitable outcome of the pandemic’s disruptions, it is important to remember that the evolution of education is rarely linear. Public schools still hold a central role in fostering community, promoting equal opportunity, and nurturing future innovators. The key lies in recognizing the subtle parts and hidden complexities of today’s challenges and working collectively to address them.

Key Considerations for the Future

Continued engagement with all stakeholders—including parents, teachers, and community leaders—is essential.
Innovative curricular models and the incorporation of technology offer pathways to greater flexibility and individualized learning.
Addressing behavioral issues head-on with dedicated resources can restore confidence in the public education system.
Policymakers must develop funding models that are resilient to shifts in enrollment, ensuring that resources are maintained even in challenging times.

As Massachusetts and communities nationwide grapple with these issues, it falls on educators, policymakers, and community members alike to step up and figure a path toward establishing a stable, well-supported public school system. The evolution of education is a dynamic process, and with time, effort, and an open-minded approach to change, public schools can once again become the central educational force they have long been.

Conclusion: Moving Forward Together

The ongoing shifts in public school enrollment in Massachusetts present us with several nerve-racking challenges, but they also offer an opportunity for renewal and reform. While the statistics—such as a loss of 16,000 students or a 14% rise in private school attendance—can seem overwhelming at first glance, they also serve as a call to action for educators and policymakers to engage directly with the many fine details of what families need.

By addressing parental concerns about academic rigor and classroom discipline and by taking a closer look at what makes an educational system truly effective, we can start to steer through the tricky parts of these changes. Public schools remain a key pillar of community life, offering not only academic instruction but also serving as a hub for civic engagement and local connection.

In reflecting on these trends, it is super important to remember that change is rarely negative in its entirety. While a 2% dip in enrollment might seem like a setback, it also highlights areas where improvements are called for—a prompt for schools to adapt and evolve. Even the promising forecast for Brookline Public Schools—a projected 7.7% increase in student numbers between 2028 and 2034—reminds us that with the right strategies in place, the future can be turned around.

Ultimately, the debate over public versus private education, and the decision to homeschool, are not merely choices about where children spend their day—they mirror broader societal values around community, civic responsibility, and the aspirations we have for the next generation. As we move forward, it is up to all of us to engage with these conversations openly and constructively, ensuring that our education system continues to meet the challenges of the present while laying a solid foundation for the future.

In closing, these enrollment trends are not just numbers on a page. They are a reflection of evolving parental priorities and the new demands of our educational landscape. Whether one sees the changes as full of problems or as opportunities for creative reform, one thing is clear: establishing an education system that meets the very real needs of today’s families will require thoughtful, community-wide dialogue and targeted policy initiatives.

By working together to address the small distinctions that truly matter—from classroom management issues to the overall academic environment—Massachusetts has the chance to set an example for how public education can adapt in times of change. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our schools do not become isolated relics of the past but remain vibrant, responsive communities that prepare our children for the twists and turns of an unpredictable future.

Now is the time for educators, policymakers, and community members to take the wheel and lead the way, ensuring that public education remains a cornerstone of opportunity, civic engagement, and community well-being. With clear communication, targeted investments, and a willingness to work through the confusing bits together, there is every reason to be optimistic about the long-term health and vitality of Massachusetts public schools.

Originally Post From https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2025-08-06/public-school-enrollment-in-mass-on-a-five-year-decline-as-private-options-see-higher-demand