Prairie Spirit School Division Sees Slight Enrolment Increase

The Prairie Spirit School Division (PSSD) reported a total enrolment of 11,620 students as of September 30, 2025, reflecting a modest increase of 33 students from the previous year. However, the Kindergarten enrolment continues to decline, raising concerns among education officials.

During the board meeting on October 27, acting Director of Education Dean Broughton presented the latest figures to trustees. He highlighted a significant trend: there are 16 fewer Kindergarten students this year compared to 2024. This pattern is part of a larger issue, as last year’s data showed 47 more graduates than Kindergarten enrollees, and this year is projected to see an even greater disparity with 52 more graduates than incoming Kindergarteners.

The enrolment data revealed that 26 schools within the division experienced lower numbers, while 19 schools saw increases. Broughton remarked that the fluctuations were generally small, often involving just one or two students. Urban schools in Warman and Martensville recorded an average increase of 2.6 students per school, contrasting with rural schools, which faced an average decline of 1.7 students.

“This indicates a slight growth in urban areas and a slight decline in rural regions,” Broughton stated, noting that the presence of Hutterite Colony schools within the division had minimal impact on overall figures.

In addition to traditional enrolment, PSSD also tracks home-based students. This year, there was an increase of 88 home-based students, marking the largest growth in this category. Furthermore, enrolment at the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre (SDLC) has also seen positive changes. Broughton noted that part-time enrolment has increased by 100 courses, bringing the expected total to 674 part-time enrolments for this academic year.

The full-time enrolments at the SDLC from PSSD are anticipated to rise by 23 students, resulting in a total of 189 full-time enrolments. Broughton explained that the precise numbers will be confirmed in November when the first billing cycle from SDLC is completed.

Overall, while the slight increase in total enrolment is promising, the consistent decline in Kindergarten numbers poses challenges for the Prairie Spirit School Division as it plans for future educational strategies and resources.