Peace River School Division trustees received an enrollment update on the Division’s six smallest rural schools during their most recent board meeting (December 18), along with information outlining the financial impacts tied to shifting student numbers.
Superintendent Thompson reported that Hines Creek Composite School currently has 112 students enrolled, including 30 students in Grades 10 through 12 and 3 in Kindergarten. While the change represents only a slight decline since June 2025, enrollment dipping below 115 students in September moved the school into a lower funding category. As a result, the school is facing an estimated $86,000 reduction in funding.
Lloyd Garrison School in Berwyn has also seen a modest decline, with 70 students enrolled across all grades, including 11 students in high school.
There was more positive news from Menno Simons Community School in Cleardale, which has added 11 students since June 2025, bringing total enrollment to 72 students, with 14 in Grades 10 through 12. Despite the increase, officials noted that enrollment remains well below pre-COVID levels.
At Nampa Public School, enrollment now stands at 42 students from Kindergarten to Grade 6, down 3 students from June.
Red Earth Creek School reported one of the more significant gains, with 108 students enrolled, including 22 high school students. This reflects an increase of 14 students since June 2025.
Meanwhile, Worsley Central School has 73 students, with 19 in Grades 10 through 12, marking a small increase in enrollment over the past several months.
Superintendent Thompson emphasized that even small changes in student numbers can have meaningful funding implications for rural schools, and the Division continues to closely monitor enrollment trends moving forward.
Keith Hopper, Trending 55
