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Hello,

I’m Sammy Caiola, gun violence reporter for Chalkbeat Philadelphia. Happy fall.

The number of students in Philly’s district schools has dropped by nearly 2,500 students from last school year. But the biggest drivers of the enrollment slump are unclear.

Competition from brick-and-mortar charter schools and cyber charters is significant, and Philly’s birth rate is falling. But tracking where kids go after they leave a district is notoriously difficult.

Here’s everything we know about Philly’s enrollment drop.

Have you registered for our upcoming virtual panel about formerly incarcerated students yet? It’s based on my reporting, and it’s going to be a vital discussion co-moderated by a local youth. It’s free, so sign up now.

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The Philadelphia school district’s enrollment fell by 2,500 students. Where did the kids go?

Competition from brick-and-mortar charter schools and cyber charters is significant, and Philly’s birth rate is falling. But the biggest drivers of the enrollment slump are unclear.