This year, there was an increase in enrollment from fall to spring, which means that more than just re-enrolling students were signing up for classes.

“Palo Alto is somewhat unique in that the number from fall to spring has gone up,” said Leticia Sanchez-Retamozo, Enrollment Management director. “Most schools experience a drop of students during the transition from fall to spring.”

Palo Alto opened its doors in September of 1985 with only 235 students. Because of the large number of students enrolling at Palo Alto College, we now encompass 27,491 square feet on 126 acres.

Fall of 2004 had a total of 6,410 students registering early, but in the last week of registration, which is held in the gym, a total of 2,346 more students signed up for classes, or 27 percent of the 8,756 total students.

“I like to get an early start during registration. That way I can choose my classes according to my schedule,” said Palo Alto student Danielle Rios.

Vincent Bosquez, director of Public Relations, said, “The continual increase in enrollment at Palo Alto College demonstrates the confidence the South Side community has in its educational institution.”

The majority of students here are Hispanic, taking up 64 percent of the student body, while 32 percent are White, 2 percent are Black and 2 percent fall in the Other category. The general age group of individuals who attend Palo Alto is around 25, leaving 50 percent of the students 21 and under, which means that more students are coming straight out of high school. According to Palo Alto Quick Facts, 62 percent of students are freshmen and 27 percent are sophomores.

For more information on registration, contact the Admissions and Records Office at 210-921-5270. Early registration for Maymester, Summer and Fall courses begins on April 18.