Early enrollment figures indicate the student population continues to drop in the Yuma-1 schools.
The preliminary numbers as of last Friday, August 23, show 805 in Pre-K through 12th grade. The early number last year was 847, which was down from 886 for 2022-23, 874 in 2021-22, and 899 for the 2020-21 school year.
Early enrollment figures can change frequently until the official count is completed in the fall for state funding purposes.
Yuma Preschool is down considerably to 43 students, compared to 56 last year, and 64 in 2022-23. The preschool has almost always been in the 60s since it opened.
This year’s early enrollment for K-12 is 763, the lowest since 2016. It is compared to 791 for 2023-24, 822 for 2022-23, 810 in 2021, 846 in 2020, 828 in 2019, 786 in 2018, 780 in 2017, and 775 in 2016.
Yuma-1 Superintendent Dianna Chrisman told the Pioneer district leaders still are analyzing the data for the downturn, and would have an official insight at a later date.
Only five grades have 60 or more students, though on the other hand there are not any in the 40s. Two grades, second and fourth, are at 67, and the smallest is the senior class at 50.
Yuma High School enrollment is 231, down from 249 last year, which was down from 265 in the fall of 2022. It was at 254 in 2021. YHS enrollment was as low as 219 in 2016. The YHS enrollment breaks down as follows: Ninth grade 59; 10th grade 56; 11th grade 66, and; 12th grade 50.
Yuma Middle School, grades 5-8, is showing an early count of 222. The early count last year was 229, while it was at 230 in 2022. The YMS breakdown is as follows: Fifth grade 54; sixth grade 60; seventh grade 52, and; eighth grade 56.
Morris Elementary School, grades K-4, has the two biggest grades in the Yuma schools. Its early enrollment is 309, down a bit from last year’s 313, which was down from 2022’s 319, but still above 2021’s 301.
The early figures show Kindergarten with 58 students, first grade 60, second grade 67, third grade 57 and fourth grade 67.