Polk County Schools enrollment numbers are down 2 percent from last year, according to figures released at Monday nights Board of Education meeting.

According to the figures, 2,526 students are enrolled at Polk Countys seven schools, including 722 at Polk County High School.

We have about 34 students attending the new charter school (Lake Lure Classical Academy), so that accounts for some of the losses, said Polk County Schools Superintendent Bill Miller. I think part of it has to do with the economy as well. Some folks have had to move in order to find work.

Miller said he expects the enrollment numbers to fluctuate somewhat over the coming weeks as people settle in for the school year.

According to the numbers released, which include 152 pre-kindergarten students among the elementary schools, Polk Central Elementary has 434 students, Polk County Middle School 543, Polk County Virtual Education 53, Saluda 159, Sunny View Elementary 167 and Tryon Elementary 448.

Polk County Schools

enrollment 2009-2010

2008-09 2009-10 Change

Polk County High 733 722 -11

Virtual Early College 32 53 +21

Polk County Middle 558 543 -15

Tryon Elementary* 484 448 -36

Polk Central Elem.* 454 434 -20

Sunny View* 201 167 -34

Saluda* 160 159 -1

Total including pre-K: 2,622 2,526 -96

The figures for elementary schools include pre-K students. Figures are based on enrollments after the first 10 days of school, the official figures used by the state.