NYC Schools Hit With Biggest Enrollment Crash in 4 Years After Gifted Program Cut Sparks Parent Exodus

New York City’s public school system is undergoing its sharpest enrollment decline in years, raising urgent questions about the future of education in the nation’s largest school district. According to preliminary Department of Education (DOE) data, the city’s public schools lost 22,000 students this year—a 2.4% drop, marking the steepest decrease in four years. This continues a troubling post-Covid trend, with overall enrollment plunging 12.2% over the past five years.

A System in Decline

At the start of the 2019-2020 school year, NYC’s public schools boasted 1,002,200 students. Today, that number has fallen to 844,400—a staggering loss of 117,800 children. Insiders warn the exodus shows no signs of slowing.

“We are bleeding kids,” one city high school teacher told the *New York Post*, reflecting widespread concern among educators and parents alike.

This year alone, K-12 schools saw 18,411 students depart, while pre-K programs lost 4,555 pupils. The only bright spot was the city’s 3K program for 3-year-olds, which added 1,118 new students—likely a result of more parents returning to the office and seeking early childcare.

Budget Increases Amid Falling Enrollment

Despite the dramatic enrollment drop, the DOE budget has ballooned by nearly $7 billion since 2019, reaching $40 billion this year. Critics argue that the increase in per-pupil funding has not translated into better outcomes.

“Every year is the same story: New York City public schools keep losing students, their budget grows, the per-pupil funding grows, and we get the same mediocre results. It is a system that is failing,” said Danyela Souza Egorov, a parent and Manhattan Institute Fellow.

Why Are Families Leaving?

Surveys and interviews suggest the primary reason parents are opting out of the public school system is a perceived lack of academic rigor. An April DOE survey found 41% of parents sought a more intensive education for their children. Many are concerned that city schools fall short on teaching the fundamentals, with two-thirds of fourth graders not proficient in math and even fewer in reading.

“I’m sending my son to private daycare instead of 3K,” said a frustrated Queens father, echoing many parents’ concerns.

Additionally, the incoming administration of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has sparked further anxiety. Mamdani’s pledge to phase out gifted and talented programs in kindergarten is seen by some as a move that will drive even more families away.

Yiatin Chu, Co-President of Parents Leaders for Accelerated Curriculum and Education (P.L.A.C.E.), attributes the enrollment decline to an “anti-merit trend” in NYC education policy. “We’ve seen an anti-merit trend in favor of more subjective factors,” she said. “With a Mamdani administration, I don’t see it going back.”

Charter Schools and Suburban Migration

While public school enrollment falls, charter schools—publicly funded but independently run—are thriving. Last year, charter school enrollment rose to 150,000 students, up 14% since 2019.

At the same time, New York City’s population shrank by 300,000 from April 2020 to July 2024, according to census data. Many families are leaving for suburbs like Long Island, seeking better school districts and educational opportunities.

“You’re seeing families moving out to Long Island to buy their way into a better school,” Chu explained.

The Broader Impact

The decline in public school enrollment could have far-reaching consequences for the city. As families flee, the tax base shrinks, making it harder for the city to provide essential services. Egorov warns, “In the end, only families who can afford to live here have the resources to go outside the public school system.”

Looking Ahead

New York City faces a critical crossroads. Without significant reforms to address academic rigor, restore merit-based programs, and rebuild trust with families, the trend of declining enrollment may accelerate. The city’s future—its workforce, its culture, and its quality of life—depends on the vitality of its public schools. The challenge for policymakers, educators, and parents is clear: reverse the decline, restore excellence, and ensure that every child in New York City has access to a world-class education.