Traditional school enrollment to decrease

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Enrollment in Florida’s traditional public schools is expected to decrease in the coming years while voucher programs expand, according to a new report from state economists. The report, compiled by the state Education Estimating Conference, said enrollment in traditional public schools is projected to go from 2,805,298 in the 2025-2026 fiscal year to 2,742,162 in the 2029-2030 fiscal year. It is estimated to total 2,813,213 during the current year, an executive summary of the report said. The numbers are “full-time equivalent” students. Meanwhile, enrollment in voucher programs, including assistance provided to home-schooled students, is projected to go from 524,757 in the 2025-2026 fiscal year to 696,740 in the 2029-2030 fiscal year. The estimated total is 456,887 this year. Florida in recent years has dramatically expanded voucher programs to create what is often described as “universal” school choice.