Home schooling in the Flathead Valley has gained momentum, registering its highest enrollment in 10 years, while private schools are returning to levels seen prior to the economic recession.

Home-school enrollment grew 42 percent at the elementary level — gaining 159 more students. Total enrollment is 540 students, roughly the same size as West Valley School. Over 10 years there has been a 26 percent increase in local home-school rolls.

Home-school enrollment at the high school level stands at 114 students and enrollment at that level is up by 38 students (50 percent). Over 10 years, however, the overall student population has declined by 15.

These figures are based on the Flathead County Superintendent of Schools 2013 Statistical Report of Schools. The recently released annual report is based on an official enrollment count taken in October.

On the private school front, four of seven private elementary schools experienced modest enrollment gains from last year. At the high school level, enrollment increases were marginal in the three private high schools, two of which are therapeutic boarding schools.

The largest increase among elementary private schools was Whitefish Christian Academy. The academy was also the only elementary school to experience significant growth of 58 students, or 82 percent, over 10 years while its counterparts saw declines.

Total enrollment at the academy in 2013 was 129, an increase of 37 students from 2012.

Growth is exciting, but also puts constraints on the facilities, Whitefish Christian Academy Headmaster Todd Kotila said.

“We can probably grow like this for one more year before having to build or install modulars,” Kotila said. “This year is the second-highest enrollment in 35 years.”

And there continues to be a waiting list at the academy. Kotila said there is pressure from interested families to expand the program beyond eighth grade.

Why are more parents choosing to dedicate time and money to private schools or home schooling?

An improving economy could be a factor, according to County Superintendent of Schools Marcia Sheffels. 

Based on the 10-year comparison of enrollment figures, private school numbers noticeably begin to decrease at the start of the recession in 2007 and fluctuated thereafter.

Kotila said there are too many variables to pinpoint one reason why the private school population is rebounding.

“It’s a complicated question why private schools are growing,” Kotila said. “I know my school’s growth is attributable to what we’re doing here and we’re getting the word out about it.”

Lynn Campbell is coordinator for Flathead Home Educators Association, a support and networking group for home-school families. 

A former home-school teacher herself, Campbell also owns Connections in Education, a business that provides supplemental classes, tutoring and testing services for homeschool students.

“I was a former elementary teacher and I loved the idea of being able to see my kids grow and learn,” Campbell said.

Home-schooling in the Flathead Valley defies stereotypes of isolated children cooped up at home,  Kalispell home-school parent Jenny Dalen said during a field trip of more than 18 students to Kalispell Fire Station 61 and the Kalispell Police Department. 

She currently home-schools five of her children. Although there are out-of-pocket expenses for curriculum, textbooks and supplies, Dalen said there is a wide variety of affordable options online.

“We just bought a math textbook for $4 online,” Dalen said.

Campbell said the support, supplemental classes, music, theater, field trips and sports opportunities make the task of home schooling less daunting for parents.

Home schooling also gives children flexibility.

“Some families are intrigued by the control and flexibility over curriculum and scheduling,” Campbell said. 

Despite the growth in home and private schools, the majority — 13,671 students — are enrolled in the public school system compared to the 1,669 students who attend private or home school.

This year, public schools had an overall growth of 1 percent over last year.

Enrollment counts are significant for public schools because they determine how much state funding a district receives. 

New this year is a third December enrollment count. The count was recently taken and numbers are still coming into the county superintendent. The final enrollment count will happen in February.

“I think it will pinpoint numbers more accurately,” Sheffels said. “You have three counts to work from instead of two.”

Kalispell Public Schools experienced growth at the elementary level while high school enrollment declined. 

Kalispell elementary schools enrolled an additional 53 students as of the Oct. 7 enrollment count, bringing total enrollment is 3,014. Eight classrooms added to Edgerton and Peterson schools are already full. Since 2004, the elementary district has gained 538 students.

Despite elementary growth, Kalispell high schools decreased by 59 students, for a total enrollment of 2,781. Over 10 years, however, enrollment has increased by 315 students.

Whitefish School District had opposite results. At the elementary level, enrollment declined by 30 students for a total of 1,065 students while the high school gained 18 students for an enrollment of 497.

A 10-year look at enrollment shows Whitefish’s elementary district down by 134 students (11 percent), and the high school decreasing by 245 students (33 percent).

Whitefish High School is currently undergoing a $19 million reconstruction.

Like Kalispell elementary schools, West Valley School has had tremendous growth in recent years. This year is no different. The school had a 4 percent increase, adding 21 students for a total enrollment of 546. Since 2004, enrollment has risen by 189 students (53 percent).

The growth prompted West Valley to embark on a $6.8 million project to build a 30,000 square-foot addition that will include 15 classrooms, an auxiliary gym and multi-use areas.  

For more information, or to see the full report, visit http://flathead.mt.gov/schools.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.