Is the district growing?
District enrollment has plateaued/slightly declined in recent years after peaking in 2016-2017 with the addition of full-day kindergarten. The graph below shows the Average Annual FTE (AAFTE) enrollment for the district. That said, our current building capacity is unable to support past growth. As a result, 51 portable classrooms are currently being used for student instruction (43 classrooms at K-6 and 8 classrooms at 9-12).

How have variances impacted student enrollment?
The state provides funding for all students including those on variance. In the 2019-2020 school year, the district has accepted 841 students (K-12) on variance from other districts. Some of these students began their academic careers in the Snohomish School District, but over time their family situation changed or their families moved to other areas. Variances allow these students to complete their education with us. In addition, 403 Snohomish School District students (K-12) variance to other school districts, creating a net difference of 438 students (K-12). Students on variance provide a rich diversity within the student body, as well as allowing the district to provide a more robust schedule of classes and opportunities.

How has all-day kindergarten and the new student teacher ratios affected school capacity?
All-day kindergarten and the K-3 teacher ratio funded through the state have increased the number of physical classrooms needed for those grade levels. For 2019-2020, these changes require approximately 35 additional classrooms.

How much over capacity are district classrooms?
Snohomish School District elementary schools are 13% over capacity on average across the district. For example, Dutch Hill Elementary is 52% over capacity, and Seattle Hill Elementary is 72% over capacity (2019-2020 school year).