Private Schools See More Empty Desks

The Houston Chronicle reports:

As they begin welcoming students back from summer vacation, administrators at private and public schools are getting their first glimpse into whether the recession has driven families to more affordable education options.

Preliminary numbers show sharp declines at some private schools, though others anticipate record enrollment levels. Several Houston-area public school leaders said they are picking up dozens of new students from families who can no longer afford private school tuition, which can approach $20,000 a year for high school students.

At The Woodlands Christian Academy, where classes resumed Wednesday, enrollment for the fall is down nearly 15 percent.