School is back in session and enrollment is mixed across the area as some schools and districts have seen increases, while others have experienced decreases.

Waterloo
There are 2,714 students in the Waterloo school district, an increase of 61 students from the end of the 2017-18 school year. 

That breaks down to 428 pupils at Zahnow Elementary School; 368 at Rogers Elementary School; 432 at Gardner Elementary School; 636 at Waterloo Junior High School; and 850 at Waterloo High School. 

“We are seeing increasing enrollment in our elementary buildings,” Waterloo superintendent Brian Charron said. “We suspect gradual growth may be consistent in the future and are beginning discussions on long-term solutions in case we reach capacity in our current facilities.”

The district also hired 17 new teachers over the summer. 

Columbia
The Columbia school district saw a decrease of 26 students from last year, with 1,963 enrolled in the district this fall.

That total breaks down to two in the out-of-district special education program; 19 in special education; 299 at Eagleview  Elementary School; 399 at Parkview Elementary School; 604 at Columbia Middle School; and 640 at Columbia High School. 

Several new teachers also came to the Columbia school district this year, along with multiple new administrators. 

Courtney Castelli took over as principal at CMS with David Ackerman serving as her assistant. April Becherer moved up to principal at Parkview and Eagleview following the departure of Brad Landgraf. Bob Dugan is her assistant. The school board also got a new member, as Ted Schrader replaced Brad Roessler after the latter resigned.

Valmeyer
Enrollment numbers are down in Valmeyer as there are just 411 students in the district.

“We graduated our largest class in a decade last year (49),” Valmeyer superintendent Eric Frankford said. “So, our high school and overall numbers are down due to that class matriculating out.”

There are 179 students in kindergarten through fifth grade; 108 students in junior high school; and 124 students in high school. 

Gibault Catholic
The enrollment at Gibault Catholic High School in Waterloo remains steady. There are 211 students enrolled at Gibault this year.

As of Aug. 27, there are 41 freshmen, 57 sophomores, 56 juniors and 57 seniors. 

Gibault hired six new teachers this school year.

Ss. Peter& Paul Catholic
The number of pre-K through eight graders dropped at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic School in Waterloo, with 261 students enrolled this year. There were 268 students last year. 

The school has a new principal this year. Lori Matzenbacher came in to replace Lisa Buchheit, who accepted a job with the Archdiocese of St. Louis. 

“We are super excited to have added an additional preschool classroom this year and we are looking forward to a great year,” Matzenbacher said.

Immaculate Conception
Enrollment at Immaculate Conception School in Columbia is up six students from last year. 

There are 355 students enrolled at ICS this year, which teaches students from pre-K to eighth grade.

“We are pleased our numbers are increasing as we prepare to move into the new Parish Education and Activity Center in March,” ICS principal Michael Kish said. “We are a small school with big school services and even bigger opportunities.”

The school will move into its new facility next to the current church at 411 Palmer Road in January.

Dupo
The Dupo school district has approximately 1,000 students, down 35 students compared to last year. It is still enrolling students daily.

There are approximately 570 children at Bluffview Elementary School and 430 at Dupo Junior/Senior High School. 

“We are working to increase our enrollment by offering new programs and celebrating our success,” Dupo superintendent Kelly Carpenter said. “We have teachers and staff that are committed to the success of students and work tirelessly to build relationships to support all students. ”

Dupo also has a new principal at the junior/senior high school in Tiffany Zobrist after the previous one retired, and a new high school football coach in Joe Day.