Minority-group enrollment in Southern independent schools has increased dramatically since 1979-80, but minorities still make up only a small fraction of the schools’ student populations, according to statistics from a study sponsored by the Lyndhurst Foundation.
The Mid-South Association of Independent Schools, which represents 100 schools in seven Southern states, reports that minority representation in its member schools grew from 1,728 students in 1979-80 to 2,340 students this year, an increase of 35 percent. During the same period, total enrollment in the member schools increased by 3.4 percent, according to the study. Members of minority groups now make up 4.4 percent of the total enrollment of the regional association’s member schools.
Blacks make up 45.5 percent of the member schools’ combined mi-nority enrollment, the report says. Increases were also noted among Asian-American students and Hispanics.
Ninety-six percent of the schools surveyed enrolled minority students, the survey shows.
Increases were also noted in the number of minority teachers and trustees at the schools.
“Broadening access to independent schools is one of our top priorities, and minorities have increasingly seen our schools as characterized by high standards, availability of teachers, and concern for the individual,” said J. Russell Frank, executive director of the association, which is affiliated with the National Association of Independent Schools.
More information is available from the Mid-South Association of Independent Schools, 1577 Chateau Drive, Atlanta, Ga. 30388.
