Enrollment in District 196 schools remains stable this year with 29,049 students, according to the official October enrollment report presented to the School Board on October 7, 2024. There are 88 more students (0.3%) than the October count last year and 244 more than projected in the preliminary budget last June. 

The largest class in the district this year is grade 12, with 2,421 students, and the smallest is kindergarten, with 1,735 students. The breakdown by level is:

• 11,533 elementary school students (grades K-5), a decrease of 64 students from last year;
• 6,390 middle school students (grades 6-8), an increase  of 87 students, and
• 9,181 high school students (grades 9-12), a decrease of 35 students from last year.

Enrollment continues to grow in special education and early childhood special education. The enrollment of students receiving center-based special education services grew to 1,354 this year, 90 more than last year. This increase is significant because these programs require more space per student and have smaller teacher-student ratios than regular education. In early childhood special education, enrollment increased to 591 this year. 

Students of color represent approximately 45% of total enrollment in District 196. Fifty-five percent of students are White, 15% Black, 13.5% Hispanic, 7% Asian, 9% are two or more races, 0.4% are American Indian, and 0.1% are Pacific Islander. Students who qualify to receive English Learner (EL) services represent approximately 8% of total enrollment in District 196, compared to 9% statewide. 

New housing construction and families choosing to move into the district keep District 196 enrollment stable, as declining Minnesota birthrates over the last 15 years challenge other school districts’ stability. Rosemount, Apple Valley, and Eagan communities continue to attract families with children seeking strong schools.