Concerns Over MHS’ Rapid Growth
Students during passing period at MHS.
October 3, 2017
MHS enrolls students grades 9-12. This year’s student enrollment is 1,118, according to counseling Secretary Mrs. Felton, which makes the ratio students to teachers 20:1.Our average graduation rate is 82%, we, as a school, are 1% above Colorado’s average graduation rates.
But most of you are wondering: does our high school have too many students or not? What is an actual ideal high school size?
According to the New York Times, the ideal number of students enrolled each year at a high school averaged around 600-900. Having as many students as we do now can reflect on Mead High School’s future plans.
Could this be an issue or a threat to Mead High School? Already having 1,118 students enrolled, question raised for student enrollment. Recently, as Mead Maverick’s student numbers have been skyrocketing this year’s freshman class of 2021 over 300 students have enrolled.
Some students are worried that if they don’t live in Longmont or Mead boundaries they won’t be able to enroll next year, even though our institution offers open enrollment. Kaitlyn Gerringer, a Senior, said, “I’m worried some of my friends from Longmont boundaries will not be able to go here anymore.”
Would this make Mead have an open campus policy?
Principal Ayers has made clear, however, that with our new construction, we will have enough room for our growing population.
![“Everybody wanted to have like a mid year dance. They wanted it to be less stressed than like homecoming. So [its] just like a fun casual get together with activities and games, said Student Council teacher Mrs. Rue.](https://mavnewspaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG_3164-600x401.jpeg)
K Schmitt • Oct 5, 2017 at 1:46 pm
This is interesting. I wonder why 600-900 is considered an ideal size for a high school. Larger schools are able to offer more opportunities to students, and are able to keep class sizes reasonable with increased staffing. I’m excited for all of our growth at Mead High School, and that we are being supported with it via the construction! Thanks for reporting.