Our Challenges
Increasing Enrollment in Our Elementary Schools
Rose Tree Media School District is facing significant enrollment growth in our elementary schools. By the 2025-2026 school year, enrollment in our elementary schools is expected to be 2,111 students. This represents an increase of 27 percent, or 454 students, from the 2015-2016 school year. A small elementary school typically serves about 400 students.
Residential development in the Edgmont Township area is driving much of the growth in enrollment in our elementary schools. Currently, 180 Edgmont Township students attend one of two elementary schools closest to the area – Glenwood Elementary and Rose Tree Elementary. Each of these buildings has run out of space to serve our students.
All townships in the district, except Edgmont Township, have neighborhood elementary schools serving their students. If the growth in the number of single-family homes in Edgmont Township over the next five years continues as projected, it will lead to increased enrollment demand and further capacity pressures in our elementary schools.
Addressing Overcrowding in Our Elementary Schools
Rose Tree Media School District is committed to safe, collaborative learning environments that allow students to reach their full potential. When the number of students we serve exceeds our available space, we are challenged to meet this goal.
Glenwood Elementary and Rose Tree Elementary are already experiencing space issues due to overcrowding, and the problems are expected to worsen as enrollment at both elementary schools is projected to increase over the next five years, further overcrowding the buildings.
The district is proactively addressing overcrowding in these schools while pursuing efforts to build a new elementary school. Some of the steps the district is taking include:
Repurposing small-group instructional spaces and previously dedicated lab spaces for additional classrooms.
Purchasing and maintaining two modular classrooms at Glenwood Elementary and Rose Tree Elementary. Each unit houses two classrooms, a bathroom, and a hallway.
Adding three additional modular units at Glenwood Elementary by 2026.
Impacts of Overcrowding on Students and Staff
Prioritizing Student Success and Growth
Rose Tree Media School District is proactively planning for a successful future while managing the current overcrowding issues. Our long-range plan will allow the district to make community-informed decisions about using resources effectively to address growing enrollment and ensure our students receive a high-quality education in neighborhood schools.
Guided by comprehensive analysis and valuable community input, we have identified the following critical needs:
Addressing elementary school space as enrollment grows.
Ensuring all school buildings provide a dynamic learning environment so all students have the same opportunities for development and growth.
Preparing to facilitate full-day kindergarten.
Long-range facility planning to accommodate future growth in our middle and high schools.
