BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Bakersfield Christian High School is seeing an increase in freshman enrollment for the upcoming year and COVID-19 could be a factor.

According to BCHS Principal John Buetow, last year the school site saw around 460-470 domestic full-time students. This year, Buetow said they have around 520 to 525, roughly a 10% increase.

"So we've experienced pretty significant domestic growth," Buetow said. "But bluntly, we were seeing trends towards that even before COVID."

Buetow said he believes although it's not the only factor, he thinks BCHS's single site freedom may appeal to more residents among the coronavirus pandemic.

"Without a doubt, some of that freedom we've enjoyed as being a single site probably has served us well during this time," he said. "Some of the differences that we've been able to show during this time because of our local site control has served us well in terms of enrollment."

BCHS has its own set of admission requirements. Students must apply and pay tuition as well.

For more information about enrollment, click here.