Recent studies show that public school districts in at least 20 states, including Florida, have seen shrinking numbers of students this fall – while private school enrollment is growing.

According to a recent analysis by the Cato Institute, nearly one-quarter of private schools surveyed indicated that their enrollment has grown over the last year.

Berkeley Prep in Tampa has been getting more calls about enrollment from across the country.

"We started hearing from out of state people at a little bit higher rate than we normally would have back in April and May and into the early summer," Director of Admissions Jay Lasley explained.

He said some families were considering moving to the Tampa Bay area because they were impressed by the school’s ability to reopen in person this fall.

"They were moving from Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., Chicago and major metropolitan areas in the midwest and northeast," he said.

Lasley said Berkeley Prep was able to accommodate a handful of those families.

"Certain grade levels have a little bit more flexibility to add another student into and that kind of thing than others," he said. "Ninth grade is our last main point of entry so any students older than that it is a real long shot even under normal circumstances."

And enrollment inquiries are still coming in.

The National Association of Independent Schools said 58% of its schools are reporting an increase in interest.

"Our admission numbers, our application volume is almost double what it normally is or what it was this time last year," Lasley said.

The numbers show the pandemic continues to impact families’ education plans and sometimes even where they choose to live.