WCPSS staff collaborates with demographers, Wake County government, and municipal officials to develop a 10-year student membership forecast that is updated annually. The forecast helps us to better understand when and where new growth is coming into our district. This forecast helps us look ahead, up to ten years, and project enrollment growth throughout the district. This information helps us update our capital improvement plan and make more informed decisions about school assignments. 

What's next?

March and April - Student assignment staff will host regional sessions (in-person* and virtual) to support families and community members in understanding the planning concerns for their area (new school, growth/crowding, cohort continuity/feeder patterns, etc.) *Due to space constraints, invitations to these sessions will be limited and sent only to families with students in targeted grade levels that live in an area with identified planning concerns. Hilltop Needmore Elementary is projected to open in the 2026-27 school year. Review feedback from the community sessions.

Virtual Public Engagement Sessions: May 7 and 8 - Student assignment staff will host two virtual public engagement sessions to provide a general understanding of the planning process and potential assignment impacts involving current schools. 

June - Focus groups on topics related to student assignment. 

How it works

Below is the timeline for the annual enrollment planning process.

1. Presentation of the Student Membership Forecast (1-year and 10-year projections) - Review the materials | Watch the presentation on YouTube

2. Review of projected crowding for the next school year.

3. Review of Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) updates (7-year plan)

4. Preparation of the Annual Enrollment Plan

   1. Public engagement to capture thoughts and ideas to support the development of the next enrollment plan. 

   2. Review of goals for the next enrollment plan with the Board. 

   3. Presentation of an initial draft of the enrollment plan.

   4. Public engagement to help families review and understand the recommendations in the initial draft plan.

   5. Review of public feedback with the Board and presentation of any recommended revisions to the initial draft.

   6. Public hearing on the draft enrollment plan by the Board.

   7. Presentation of the final draft of the enrollment plan for the Board's review and approval.

5. Review and approval of capped schools due to overcrowding concerns.

6. Review of options to address other school utilization concerns.