As the 2023-24 school year began, students and staff at Banneker were met with an increased student population.

Since the program began in 1983, Banneker has had the reputation as a small school. But since the new building was completed in 2021, the numbers have grown tremendously, from 577 in 2021-22, to a roaring high of 671 students in 2023-24. The school now has 265 freshman alone.

Students have concerns about not getting to class on time or being late to school due to the amount of time it takes to move nearly 700 students through the crowded security area. Many opinions exist about whether this growth is beneficial to our school community.  

Senior Janiya Drayton, who has felt most affected by these new circumstances, believes seniors are “at a disadvantage because of the population growth.”

Senior Mikayla Kelly also stated that she feels that the school has become “overcrowded” with the influx of freshman. She has noticed crowded hallways,  a 15 minute delay in the morning getting to class, little space to eat in the cafeteria, limited resources like computer chargers, less access to speak with counselors during the lunch hour and a delay leaving the building durning dismal.

Here is a photo of how hectic, and overcrowded Dismissal can get.  

In addition to the challenges within student life, teachers, administrators, and staff have also reported changes. Assistant Principal Shaw said:  “Initially, workload was heavy, and the administration needed to find strategies to adopt to this growth to ensure the quality of learning remained.”  

At first, faculty and staff had heavier workloads, as they needed to move students around in classes, hire more teachers, and adapt to a larger student to teacher ratio. Two additional teachers are still waiting visa approval to fill an open Spanish position and an open Science position.

Some students worry about plans to continue to expand the school’s population and give more students a chance at the Banneker experience.

But even though the school year started off a little busier than usual, Banneker educators have adapted well and are able to provide the same quality of learning as previous years.