During the November 20, 2025 Board Meeting, district administrators provided an update on RISD’s enrollment trends.
Since 2019, RISD has seen a 6.9% reduction in overall enrollment, reflecting a statewide pattern among inner-ring suburban districts influenced by shifting demographics and increased competition from charter schools and other districts in the area. Our current enrollment of 36,317 students is lower than a demographer’s projection, by 224 students. In comparison from October 2024 to October 2025, the district has an enrollment of 652 students less; out of those students 516 are Emergent Bilingual families that have left the district for a number of reasons, which are out of the district’ control. Even with a reduction in enrollment, RISD’s rate of decline remains slightly lower than that of several nearby and larger Texas districts.
Statewide data from the Texas Education Agency show that, although Texas public school enrollment remains above 5.5 million students, growth is uneven. Many urban and inner-ring suburban districts are declining, while outer-ring districts continue to expand—though at a slower pace than in past years. Demographers note that even the fastest-growing regions are seeing overall enrollment decreases due to trends such as people starting families later in life, fewer children per household, and reduced relocation among empty nesters. These factors are affecting North Texas districts despite strong housing markets in certain communities.
RISD administrators also noted key areas of enrollment strength for RISD, particularly our Middle School Model and Magnet/Choice Programs, which are showing positive indicators and helping retain students.
While some factors contributing to RISD’s current enrollment decline are outside the district’s control, RISD is implementing an action plan to address the factors it can influence in order to recruit, retain, and recover students. The district’s next steps include:
- Enhancing Open Enrollment
- Providing training for principals on enrollment trends to incorporate into their Campus Improvement Plans
- Continue to eliminate barriers in transfer and enrollment processes
- Expansion of Magnet and Choice Programing
- Development of a virtual school option
- Strategic, data-driven marketing
In addition, the district will continue to analyze individual student data to identify opportunities to recover students who have left the district.
While administrators and the board of trustees recognize the challenge, the commitment to continue serving students and families within RISD with quality academics remains strong. The district will focus on strategically showcasing why RISD is the ONE for families, providing them with:
Opportunities for learners tailored to every style and ability.
Neighborhood schools that foster family-centered communities.
Experiences beyond the classroom that enhance learning!
