School System Sees Population Surge On First Day

The first day of public school in Lake County saw nearly 3,000 more students in attendance than the first day last year, yet another sign of growth coming to Lake County.

    Lake County Schools data from Wednesday, August 10, showed 43,770 students attending school, up from 40,932 the first day a year ago. The gains were near across the board, with only alternative programs Lake County Virtual School 7004 seeing a decline of 328 students, near half its enrollment from the first day of last year, and Lake County Virtual Franchise 7001 having two fewer students.
       Elsewhere, growth was apparent, though the largest growth numbers continue to be found in the south end of the county. East Ridge High School led the county with an additional 242 students and Pinecrest Academy K-8 added, 240.
    Locally here are the numbers released by Lake County, showing the change over last year and how many students were in attendance last Wednesday.

   High Schools
Eustis: Plus 170 to 1,237
Umatilla: Plus 22 to 815
Mount Dora: Plus 86 to 1,242
Tavares: Plus 1 to 1,444
        Overall high school attendance was up by 843 students.
Middle Schools
Eustis: Minus 49 to 776
Umatilla: Plus 45 to 568
Mount Dora: Plus 75 to 777
Tavares: Plus 67 to 993
        Overall middle school attendance was up by 499 students to 7,992.
Elementary Schools:
Eustis: Plus 9 to 325
Eustis Heights: Plus 16 to 602
Umatilla: Plus 64 to 627
Triangle: Plus 40 to 684
Sorrento: Plus 49 to 812
Seminole Springs: Plus 35 to 451
Round Lake Charter: Plus 12 to 936
Altoona Charter: Plus 20 to 287
        Overall elementary school attendance was up by 1,024 students to 17,855.
        Homeschooling saw a dip among those registered with the county, with 4,061 registered on the first day of school this year, down 20 from the first day last year.