Enrollment drops leave 46 Orange County elementary schools below capacity

Orange County Public Schools has 46 elementary schools operating below capacity as student enrollment continues to decline across the district. The drop follows the closure of seven elementary campuses earlier this year due to low enrollment.Data presented to the school board this week reveals that 34 elementary schools in the district are currently operating at less than 70% capacity, including three schools that are less than half full. In response to the falling enrollment figures, district leadership is weighing fixes such as redrawing school attendance zones and creating new magnet programs.The enrollment decline is illustrated at MetroWest Elementary School, which was originally built to accommodate 837 students. Fewer than 400 students enrolled at MetroWest this year after 45 fewer children showed up compared to the previous year, placing it among the three district campuses operating below half capacity. District presentations outline several potential outcomes for under-enroll