Carlock Elementary has been struggling with dropping enrollment. (Photo courtesy Facebook/Carlock Elementary PTC)

By Adam Studzinski

CARLOCK – Enrollment has been on the decline at Carlock Elementary, but an effort to change that is ongoing in the Twin Cities.

This past summer, Unit 5 considered blending classrooms because of enrollment problem. Carlock principal Alison Hampton said they've done more research on blended classrooms and have found it's viable, but not the best option.

Hence the push to increase enrollment.

"Getting the word out first that attendance exceptions are available within Unit 5. If you're a Unit 5 student you can apply to come to another school," said Hampton. "At our school we have smaller class size, we have family atmosphere, we have great results."

Hampton said the school has created a Facebook page, held open houses, created brochures, and also plans to put up signs as it works to spread the word.

"It's an easy, easy way to get a win-win situation for other schools that are crowded and for our school that has declining enrollment," she said.

The campaign will be ongoing through the spring and summer.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].