Cherokee Schools Reach Milestone

For the first time, student enrollment in the has topped 39,000.

On the sixth day of school Wednesday, enrollment reached 39,039. The school system estimated that the number would peak at 38,925 this year.

"Our increasing enrollment is further evidence that more families are learning about the top-notch public school system we have here and making the choice to enroll their children with us," district spokeswoman Barbara Jacoby said in an email.

Jacoby said the "as opposed to further depleting reserves in order to balance the 2012-13 School Year budget puts the School District in a better position to deal with these and other costs associated with higher-than-anticipated enrollment."

The growth in the district coincides with the launch of , an initiative intended to expand school choice options in the county.

Four elementary schools, Ball Ground, , Clark Creek and Holly Springs, opened last Wednesday as science, technology, engineering and mathematics academies. Two schools,  and Oak Grove, opened as fine arts academies.

"As the School District nears enrollment of 40,000," Jacoby said, "it also means we have a large enough student population to offer additional specialized academic programs ... like the Cherokee Academies initiative ... and future phases of it."

By the Numbers

• Day 6 count: 39,039 students
• Number of students who enrolled in the Cherokee County School District on Wednesday: 47
• Number of students who have enrolled since the first day of school: 817
• Projected peak enrollment: 38,925

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