Stillwater Township School Enrollment Decline

The Data Behind Our Demographic Challenge 

Over the past 25 years, Stillwater Township School enrollment has dropped from 446 students (1999-2000) to 287 students (2023-2024)—a 35.7% decline.That's 159 students lost.While our township population has remained stable around 4,000 residents, the number of school-age children has collapsed. This enrollment data confirms what the census already showed: Stillwater is aging, and we're not attracting enough young families.

The 1999-2000 enrollment of 446 students has never been matched again. Every year since has been lower.

Between 2010 and 2020, enrollment dropped from 379 students to 247 students—a loss of 132 students in just 9 years.

In 2000, students made up ~10.8% of Stillwater's population. Today, they represent just 7.1%—a clear sign that families with children are leaving or not moving here.

Rural school enrollment nationwide declined ~15% from 2000-2020. Stillwater's 35.7% decline is more than twice the national average, placing us among the most severely declining rural districts in America.

Fewer Young FamiliesThe enrollment decline while population stayed flat means families with school-age children are leaving or choosing not to move here. Older residents are aging in place without being replaced by young families.

Economic Consequences

•Less state funding (fewer students = less aid)

•Lower property values (families avoid towns with declining schools)

•Higher taxes per student (fixed costs spread over fewer students)

•Weaker local economy (fewer families = less demand for businesses)

School Viability Questions

At 287 students across 8 grade levels, Stillwater averages only 36 students per grade. This raises concerns about program offerings, educational quality, and long-term sustainability. Most experts consider schools with fewer than 200 students at risk for consolidation or closure.

Confirmation of Census DataThe enrollment collapse perfectly matches the census findings:

•24.9% of residents are 65+ (40% more than national average)

•Only 16.8% are under 18 (25% fewer than national average)

•School enrollment down 35.7% in 25 yearsThe data is undeniable: Stillwater is aging rapidly with too few young families.

If enrollment continues declining at current rates:

YearProjected Enrollment

                2024  287 (current)

2030  263

2040  228

2050  198

At current trends, Stillwater could reach the critical 200-student threshold—where consolidation or closure becomes likely—within 20-30 years.

This isn't about blaming anyone. It's about facing reality and deciding what kind of future we want for Stillwater.

We can:

•Act now to attract young families through strategic economic development, quality-of-life investments, and commercial revitalization

•Wait and hope things improve on their own (they won't)

•Do nothing and watch enrollment continue to decline until our school faces consolidation or closureOther communities have faced similar challenges. Some acted and thrived. Others waited too long and declined into irrelevance.Stillwater still has time—but the window is closing.

1.Join the conversation at Stillwater Town Hall events

2.Support local businesses to strengthen our economy

3.Attend Township Committee meetings and voice your priorities

4.Get involved in community initiatives to attract young families

5.Spread the word about Stillwater's strengths to potential new residents

The future of Stillwater depends on the choices we make today.

Visit the Stillwater Township School Board of Education for more information: https://www.stillwaterschool.net/board-office/board-of-education

Data Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), U.S. Department of EducationReport Prepared: December 24, 2025 | Stillwater Town Hall Community Forum