Randolph schools continue to see small, steady growth

Trisha Benton Randolph Times RANDOLPH - If slow and steady wins the race, then Randolph Public Schools is winning at school enrollment.

Both the elementary and high schools continue to see small, steady growth over the years with the 2022-23 academic year no exception.

Classes resumed last week with six more students compared with year-end numbers in May for a total student census of 258 in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Randolph Elementary enrollment landed at 151 in grades kindergarten through sixth grade, an increase of four. The largest class size is kindergarten with 30 children enrolled and the class splitting off into two sections this year.

The public schools’ 4-year-old preschool class was counted towards last year’s enrollment numbers but the Cardinal Kids Learning Center is taking on that additional offering this school year.

It’s the Learning Center that has possibly fueled some of the growth in school enrollment, especially the kindergarten class, said Elementary Principal Denton Beacom.

“To me, a big contributor is probably the Learning Center as it pulls in a lot of kids,” he said.

Census numbers at the high school (grades 7-12) increased by two students over last year for a total of 107, said High School Principal Brandi Bartels.

She said the small growth shows a natural fluctuation in students leaving and new ones enrolling. However, the student population has steadily increased since she first started four years ago. At that time, high school enrollment was below 100 students.

Class sizes remain steady or grow incrementally with 30 in kindergarten, 24 in first grade, 22 in second grade, 23 in third grade, 22 in fourth grade, 11 in fifth grade, 19 in sixth grade, 21 in seventh grade, 21 in eighth grade, 15 freshmen, 14 sophomores, 22 juniors and 14 seniors.

While Randolph saw a slight uptick in students, other public schools in the area experienced small decreases including Hartington- and Wausa. Cedar Catholic in Hartington saw a double-digit gain of 15 students for this year.