IACS Proposes Middle School Expansion to Offset Declining High School Enrollment

At the Board meeting held on December 8, 2025, Head of school, Gregory Orpen proposed expanding the middle school in order to address the budget shortfall caused by declining high school enrollment.
Head of School Gregory Orpen explained that IACS has to reach 780 total students to remain financially stable. The school currently has 741 students, with the high school accounting for just 340.
In addition, the current staff target is maintaining a 11:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Currently, the high school average is 9.4 students per teacher, meaning staffing levels are too high relative to enrollment numbers. Expanding the middle school has been proposed as a possible solution to create a stronger student base for the high school.
However, some board members questioned the approach. Board member Bruce Panaliatis said, “The more we emphasize middle school, the problem keeps getting worse.” He argued expanding the middle school does not address the issue of why many students are choosing different schools for their high school education. He also added that families may begin to see IACS as a strong school for grades 5-8, but choose different schools for grades 9–12.
Academic rigor was another concern raised that was tied to expansion. “My issue with our Science program is the rigor,” Panaliatis stated. He brings to attention that shifting the focus and resources toward the middle school could limit the advanced opportunities offered for high school students.
Some students echoed these concerns. When asked why she thought high school enrollment has declined, Sophomore Arianna Lopez stated, “They probably left because IACS does not have many options.” Lopez expressed mixed feelings toward the expansion. She acknowledged that there may be logistical concerns such as crowded buses, but she also admitted that a larger middle school could encourage many families to stay as well. “It’s either a win-win or a lose-lose,” she notes.
As discussion around this topic still continues, the board is left with facing a key question. Will expanding the middle school strengthen IACS as a whole school, or will improving high school rigor need to come first?