Fairfield CSD Projects First Enrollment Increase in Years

FAIRFIELD, IA — The Fairfield Community School District is projecting an enrollment increase for the first time in four years, based on preliminary certified enrollment data for 2025.

The district expects an increase of 3.35 students in certified enrollment, marking a notable shift after years of decline. Final certification will take place in the coming weeks.

Certified enrollment is the finalized student count used to determine state aid. Actual headcount refers to the initial, unverified number of students present on a specific date. Audit additions are students added to the certified enrollment total following a formal review process.

Certified enrollment totals over the past five years are:

• 2021: 1,607.40

• 2022: 1,568.26 (-39.14 students from the year prior)

• 2023: 1,525.81 (-42.45 students from the year prior)

• 2024: 1,479.66 (-46.15 students from the year prior)

• Projected 2025: 1,483.01 (+3.35 students from the year prior)
   

Actual headcount across the district also rose by ten students. Middle school enrollment increased by 19 students, and Pence Elementary added 12. Although enrollment declined at the high school and Washington Elementary, overall numbers remained positive.

The district also reported a continued decrease in students open enrolling in other Iowa public schools. These students live within district boundaries but attend school elsewhere. In 2023, 182 full-time students open enrolled out of the district, followed by 174 in 2024. This year, 170 have chosen to attend other districts.
 

“Seeing our certified enrollment move into positive territory is an encouraging step forward for our district and our community,” said Superintendent Zach Wigle. “We are grateful for the trust our families place in us and remain focused on meeting the needs of all students each and every day.”

District leaders plan to analyze the data further to better understand what is driving the growth.