Bellevue 3 elementary school closures (Seattle, Mercer Island: homes, neighborhoods, buying)

[usernametaken]

A bit surprising considering the high proportion of immigrants and ever expanding Bellevue population. Maybe 1 child average per couple is becoming the norm?

In the last three years, the Bellevue School District has lost 1,886 students throughout its schools.

https://readlion.com/2023/02/07/wash...ng-enrollment/

[Hemlock140]

While couples are waiting longer and having less kids, more likely it's just aging out. Many of the older retirees are staying there, so the neighborhoods are not "turning over" as they have in the past. The previous growth there has been due to not only immigrants but also younger couples with young kids buying from the seniors downsizing. At 70 and 71 my wife and I are still in our 3,000 sf house, and we are surprised to see so many other older couples still around. Those that did sell recently were replaced by families with 2-3 kids.

[Commonproject]

This is pretty sad for the folks that paid crazy housing prices just for the school district. Mercer Island is looking a lot more attractive now.

[homesinseattle]

I've heard that many Seattle and Eastside private schools are having no problem with enrollment, maybe some of the public school kids are shifting over there.

[zerp]

Originally Posted by homesinseattle

I've heard that many Seattle and Eastside private schools are having no problem with enrollment, maybe some of the public school kids are shifting over there.

And out of state as Washington public schools are not safe for children.

[josie13]

Originally Posted by homesinseattle

I've heard that many Seattle and Eastside private schools are having no problem with enrollment, maybe some of the public school kids are shifting over there.

During the pandemic, with many parents needing to work, families sent their children to private schools that held in-person classes. Maybe they haven't shifted back.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by josie13

During the pandemic, with many parents needing to work, families sent their children to private schools that held in-person classes. Maybe they haven't shifted back.

How would private schools be able to accommodate a sudden influx of new students? Private schools have a limited number of seats, with the possible exception of parochial schools. And why would they accept a new group of students who only intended to be there temporarily?

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

How would private schools be able to accommodate a sudden influx of new students? Private schools have a limited number of seats, with the possible exception of parochial schools. And why would they accept a new group of students who only intended to be there temporarily?

$$$$$$ The local Catholic school near us charges tuition of $27,750/year for the Middle School and High School.

The nearest Catholic elementary (K-8) charges $9.468/year for parishioners, $13,416 for non-parishioners.
Their Pre-K (preschool) tuition is $6,540/year.

[Transmition]

I know people in the area who moved to homeschooling due to covid. It's hard to say where all the kids have shifted to, so whether this is just a temporary thing or not. The people freaking out are being a bit overdramatic about it, as if it is ruining their child's life to move to a different school in the same school district. It won't affect class sizes or anything like that. Kids of that age are so versatile, they'll adapt really quickly. The overheads of keeping more schools open is going to eat into the budget of the district, so it makes sense to consolidate, as long as they don't do anything like sell the unused schools right away.

[Gaylord_Focker]

Originally Posted by homesinseattle

I've heard that many Seattle and Eastside private schools are having no problem with enrollment, maybe some of the public school kids are shifting over there.

Any discounts in Bellevue? We will instantly return if the price is right, lol