We like to think of our Montclair elementary schools as top performers that are in demand. So it’s puzzling to see a drop between admitted and registered kindergartners in some schools next fall:
- Thornhill: 80 admitted – 68 registered
- Montclair: 96 admitted – 89 registered
- Joaquin Miller: 61 admitted – 63 registered
Sure, the hills schools are coveted. Six of ten wait-listed students have taken up some Thornhill slack. Nearby Oakland parents are bound to pursue spots at Thornhill or Montclair, if they are permitted to make their cases outside the normal assignments process.
Katy Murphy, who covers the Tribune’s education beat, attributed the gaps to people who “may have just been hedging by applying to their local public school.” But there are all kinds of reasons for tucking tails.
Yes, it’s possible that some Montclarions registered their kids in case and later decided on private schools. Maybe they felt less pinched generally. Or became more skeptical about Oakland schools and city finances. Or even moved away, who knows?
Well the schools will be operational for the 2009-2010 school year. Oakland Unified School District settled on a $602 million budget today, along with Uncle Sam’s help in closing an $18 million gap. So we can push problems out for another year, sigh.
Today in Montclair, 94611 
This drop off doesn’t seem that significant. I know there are some that parents who have kids on the younger side, with fall birthdays, and register their kids in January in case they are ready, but as the decision time gets closer, they realize their child won’t be and wait for next year. Also, as you say, there are some parents that apply as a fallback/safety school along with some privates. Looking at the numbers another way, there are 11 kindergarten classes for 220 students, and there 220 students registered students for all 11 classes, although not quite evenly distributed exactly that way.
Love your site, keep up the good work!