HISD enrollment increases

District sees 313 more students

By Mary Rainwater

With another year of school in full swing, Huntsville Independent School District administrators are not only reporting smooth starts to the new school year, but are seeing a few more smiling faces walking the halls as well.

And while enrollment numbers always tend to fluctuate over the first few weeks of school, some school leaders are already able to determine patterns of growth.

After several years of falling enrollment, the HISD logged a first day enrollment of 6,036 students — up 313 students from the first day of school in 2008.

“We are happy to see (the additional students),” HISD Assistant Superintendent John DeBrock said. “We have plenty of room for all the students, and are hoping to see that growth continue.”

Campuses seeing the largest enrollment increases include: the high school, up about 90 students to 1,753; Samuel Houston Elementary, up 70 students to 575; and Gibbs Pre-K Center, up 70 students to 362.

Other campus first day of school enrollment totals include: Mance Park Middle School, 825 students; Huntsville Intermediate, 860 students; Huntsville Elementary, 518 students; Scott Johnson Elementary, 536 students; and Stewart Elementary, 607 students.

“Our first day of school went very smoothly,” DeBrock said. “We are very pleased with how things went and hope the rest of the year continues to go as well.”

New Waverly ISD

New Waverly Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Clay Webb reported a great first day of school, with enthusiasm among both students and teachers running high.

“Everything has been great,” the superintendent said. “Everyone seems glad to be here and ready for another great year.”

While hard enrollment numbers were not available, Webb was able to report slightly increased student enrollment at most campuses.

“We don’t have any exact figures yet, but I know numbers are up at the intermediate and elementary schools,” Webb said. “We are running close to the maximum number of students in some classes at the elementary.

“We are going to see some slight increases, but will probably stay about average districtwide.”

According to Webb, the middle campus enrollment averages about 190 students, with an average of 260-270 students at the high school.

Trinity ISD

Students at Trinity ISD were welcomed back to school Monday, with superintendent Dr. Bobby Rice reporting good numbers and great students making the first day successful.

“It was one of the smoothest starts we have had in years,” he said. “That is all because of the great staff and excellent students in the district.”

First day enrollment at TISD totaled 1,140 students — 531 at the elementary, 163 at the intermediate, 166 students enrolled at the middle school and 280 students at the high school.

“We are down 13 students compared to the conclusion of last year, but up slightly from the first day last year,” Rice said.

Alpha Omega Academy

Huntsville’s private school Alpha Omega Academy started classes on Aug. 19, with administrators reporting a smooth start both academically and athletically.

“We are off to a great start; the first day went well with no issues,” business administrator Stacy Loll said. “Volleyball and soccer are in full swing and our new junior high football team plays its first game next week.”

The school was pleased with its numbers as well, seeing a 10 percent increase in enrollment over last year.

“We have 389 students currently enrolled — 309 students at the elementary and 80 at the high school,” Loll said, reporting three classes each of kindergarten through third grade, two classes each of fourth through ninth grade and one class each for 10th through 11th grades.

“We are very excited about our increase in enrollment and feel very blessed,” she said. “The Lord continues to bring new families to us.”

Vista Academy/Premier High

Formerly known as Heritage Champions Academy, the Vista Academy and Premier High public schools began a new year Monday with some pleasing changes.

“The first day went wonderfully well,” principal Lisa Branch said. “It was very smooth and all seemed excited about starting a new year.

“We did some remodeling over the summer – repainted the building and built a new library for the students,” she said.

Enrollment at the schools is about 275 students and growing, Branch said, with 160 students enrolled at the elementary and 115 students at the high school.

“Those numbers are up from last year, and we do have a few openings left,” she said. “We are a free public school, and as word is getting out about that, I think we will see that growth continue.”