Enrollment Increases at Hyde-Addison and Stoddert, Hardy's Numbers Drop

Georgetown Elementary schools, like many others in D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) and charter schools, have seen an increase in student enrollment, especially at the early childhood level. But, after several tumultuous years, Hardy Middle School's enrollment rate dropped by 20 percent.

While Public Charter School enrollment increased by 8 percent across the District, DCPS enrollment overall had a slight decrease of 1 percent, from 45,630 to 45,191 (439 students).

“Georgetown offers a number of great schools for students,” said DCPS Press Secretary Melissa Salmanowitz. “At Stoddert, enrollment is up 7 percent and at Hyde, nearly 14 percent.”

At Hyde-Addison, enrollment increased from 272 in the 2010-2011 school year to 308 in the 2011-2012 school year and at Stoddert Elementary from 324 in 2010-2011 to 347 in 2011-2012.

Hardy Middle School enrollment decreased from 521 in 2010 to 412 in 2011. The decreases were across all three grades, though the lower rate at the sixth-grade level may be attributed to an institutional decision to enroll a smaller class. During the 2011 lottery process, Hardy offered slots for only 30 sixth grade students and no additional students at the seventh or eighth-grade levels.

“Hardy had a transition in leadership last year,” said Salmanowitz in explanation.

In the past two years, Hardy saw first the loss of Principal Patrick Pope and subsequent backlash from disappointed parents and students. The rancour overtook Pope's replacement, Principal Dana Nerenberg, whom Chancellor Kaya Henderson ultimately removed from her role at Hardy mid-year. A selection team composed of parents, teachers and students chose Dr. Mary Stefanus to take over the school for the 2011-2012 school year.

Since arriving, Stefanus has focused on mitigating many of the issues the school was facing before she came on as the principle.

According to Salmanowitz, the downward drop is a temporary setback and growth through new programming and school leadership is soon to come.

“This year, Hardy is strong and next year, Hardy will be one of two schools in the District to offer a school-wide enrichment gifted and talented program” added Salmanowitz.

Hosanna Mahaley, State Superintendent of Education, said she sees this year's enrollment as a sign of "continuous and permanent progress” in a prepared statement.

Mayor Vincent Gray is also optimistic. “I am hopeful that as we continue to make improvements in our schools, the numbers will continue to grow” he said in a prepared statement.

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Shaun Courtney contributed to this report.