Thursday, September 8, 2011

Children Flood Into Decatur, Avondale Estates

From Decatur Patch
By Timothy Darnell

The two communities are seeing huge growth in the number of pre-schoolers and school-aged kids


The number of children 18 and under in Decatur and Avondale Estates has surged over the past decade, according to a Patch analysis of U.S. Census Bureau figures.

In both towns, the pre-school and school-aged populations grew dramatically faster than overall population growth from 2000 to 2010.

In Decatur, the number of children 4 and under jumped by 35 percent, while Avondale Estates saw the same aged group grow by 26 percent.

Decatur’s school aged population -- kids age 5-18 -- increased by 13 percent over the decade. Avondale Estates’ school-aged population grew 38 percent.

The Decatur school system has already felt the effects of growth. Enrollment was up 11 percent in August compared to the end of the last school year. Controversy erupted earlier this year when Oakhurst Elementary parents were told there wasn’t enough room at the school for their kindergarteners.

Full story

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