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Final Decision Looming Over San Diego's Last One-Room Schoolhouse

San Diego County's last one-room schoolhouse may finally have to close its doors. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Final Decision Looming Over San Diego's Last One-Room Schoolhouse

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(Photo Credit: Ana Tintocalis/KPBS)

San Diego County's last one-room schoolhouse may finally have to close its doors. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.

Student enrollment at the Palomar Mountain School has plunged over the past few years. This year seven kids answered the schoolhouse bell. But next year school officials are expecting just three. School officials say there are not enough kids attending the tiny campus to keep it open.

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But parent Rick Healy says it shouldn't matter if even one child goes to a school. The fact is his son is excelling in this small learning environment.

Healy : My son learned to tie his shoes here. He's been here since kindergarten and they’re more like family.

The Valley Center-Pauma school district will save $60,000 a year if it shuts down the schoolhouse. But parents say it will cost them more time and money to take their kids an hour down the mountain to the next nearest campus. The school board is expected to make a final decision in the coming weeks.

Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.