Gabriola Elementary Sees Decline in Student Enrolment for 2025/2026

The final student enrolment figures for Gabriola Elementary School indicate a decrease, with the total number of students dropping by 16 for the 2025/2026 academic year. This year, the school has recorded 144 students, down from 160 in the previous year. The 2024/2025 school year had seen an increase of six students compared to 2023/2024.

According to School District 68, Gabriola Elementary is operating with seven classes this year, averaging approximately 20 students per class. This decline reflects broader trends in school enrolment on Gabriola Island, which may have implications for future resource allocation and classroom management.

Additionally, the district reported an increase in enrolment at the secondary level, with an additional 83 students from Gabriola Island attending Nanaimo District Secondary School. A spokesperson noted that only one other public high school in the district, Wellington Secondary School, has students from Gabriola. The spokesperson confirmed, “I can tell you it is not a large number,” emphasizing the limited options for local students.

In a broader context, School District 68 has a total of 15,291 students enrolled for this academic year across all schools. This figure underscores the importance of monitoring enrolment trends, as they can significantly affect funding and staffing decisions within the district.

As the school year progresses, it will be essential for local education authorities to assess the factors influencing these enrolment changes. Future strategies may need to focus on attracting families to the area or addressing any challenges that could be deterring enrolment.

The situation at Gabriola Elementary serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of school enrolment and the impacts on community education.