San Diego Unified School District News Releases: SD Unified More Than Doubles Summer Enrollment Goal, Welcoming More Than 3,000 New Students

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Media Contact: James Canning, jcanning@sandi.net, 313-580-2845

San Diego Unified More Than Doubles Summer Enrollment Goal, Welcoming More Than 3,000 New Students

Families continue choosing San Diego Unified Schools

SAN DIEGO (August 07, 2026) — As San Diego Unified School District prepares to welcome students back for the 2026-27 school year, families continue choosing the district. During the month of July, 1,950 new students enrolled in San Diego Unified schools, building on the 1,083 students who enrolled during June and bringing the district's summer total to 3,033 new students.

The district's enrollment efforts have now far exceeded its original goal of welcoming 1,309 new students by the first day of school, demonstrating that making enrollment easier helps more families access high-quality public education. The goal of 1,309 new students held special significance because it matched the number of students who had left San Diego Unified since the 2024-25 school year. Census day is scheduled for October 7, 2026, and that will determine if the new students amounted to a net-positive for enrollment compared to last school year.

This summer marked San Diego Unified's most significant modernization of the enrollment process in recent years. For the first time, families could complete enrollment entirely online for all student groups while also receiving personalized support through 52 Enrollment Hubs located across San Diego. The district also expanded enrollment office hours, partnered with hundreds of community organizations, and launched its "Why Choose San Diego Unified?" campaign to connect families with their neighborhood schools.

"Every new student who joins San Diego Unified brings new dreams, talents, and possibilities to our schools, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome more than 3,000 new students and their families to our community this year," said Superintendent Fabiola Bagula, Ph.D. "Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family makes, and we are honored they chose San Diego Unified. From enrollment on, we want every family to feel they belong here. Our educators and staff are ready to welcome each student, provide exceptional learning opportunities, and support them as they learn, grow, and thrive."

Families continue to choose San Diego Unified for its nationally recognized academic excellence and broad range of educational opportunities. Serving 175 schools from preschool through grade 12, San Diego Unified offers early learning, language immersion, International Baccalaureate, Career Technical Education pathways, STEAM magnet programs, visual and performing arts, athletics, dual enrollment college credit opportunities, and expanded learning programs that prepare students for success in college, career, and life.

"The momentum we saw throughout the summer reflects the dedication of employees across every part of our district," said Dr. Tracey Makings, Leader from Neighborhood Schools and Enrollment Options. "By combining the convenience of a fully online enrollment process with personalized support through our Enrollment Hubs and community partnerships, we created a more welcoming experience for families. We're thrilled to welcome the new students and look forward to helping them succeed from their very first day."

The milestone comes even as California and school districts across the nation continue to experience enrollment declines driven by lower birth rates, rising housing costs, and changing demographics. According to the California Department of Education, public school enrollment declined by nearly 75,000 students statewide, while the Education Commission of the States reports national public school enrollment has fallen by 1.18 million students over the past five years.

Enrollment remains open throughout the school year. Families interested in enrolling can visit SanDiegoUnified.org/Enroll or call 619-260-2410 for assistance.

About San Diego Unified School District

Serving nearly 95,000 students in 175 schools, San Diego Unified School District is California's second-largest school district and is committed to ensuring every student graduates with the skills, motivation, curiosity, and resilience to succeed in college, career, and life.

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