The impact of the pandemic on students is well known, but one of the major changes resulting from it is still being realized. Many families opted to remove their children from public schools and turn toward private schools, many who opened their doors sooner than their public-school counterparts. Parental uneasiness with some of the educational cultural changes along with a growing School Choice movement in many states have created full classrooms in many private schools. Michael Foust at CrossWalk.com reports that 80% of Christian schools across the country reported increased enrollment since the pandemic. More than 40% of these schools have experienced substantial increases.
This influx of new students has been a positive development for private and parochial institutions, but it comes with the challenge of needing additional space for the increased enrollment.
At WDS Construction, we regularly work with religious-based schools to modernize and expand their facilities. Based on this background, here are some things to consider when your enrollment is outpacing your capacity:
Undertaking a building project may only be a once-in-a-career endeavor for you, which can make it a scary experience. But it doesn’t have to be that way. By partnering with a team that truly understands your needs and challenges, you can benefit from having the necessary subject matter expertise by your side every step of the way.
Perhaps WDS Construction can be that partner. Reach out to Mark Buteyn at mbuteyn@wdsconstruction.net to discuss your building project. Mark has been in your shoes, serving for 16 years as head of school at Wisconsin Central Christian School, overseeing multiple expansion projects, as well as 26 years teaching in a Christian classroom.
WDS is in the unique position to partner with you from your first thoughts of addressing learning occupancy issues to cutting the ribbon on a renovation or addition solution.