Abstract
This study evaluated the perplexing trend of Grade 7 students at Lampari National High School increasingly opting for schools at a considerable distance rather than attending the local institution. Despite extensive research in student enrollment, a significant gap remains in understanding the specific preferences and motivations of these students. This research aims to uncover the factors influencing their decision to choose distant schools over local options and to develop targeted intervention programs to enhance the school's competitiveness. The study employed purposive sampling, ensuring a complete enumeration of all incoming Grade 7 learners from Lampari Elementary School. A structured survey was administered, consisting of four parts: respondent profiles (age and gender), specific factors influencing school choice, preferences and motivations, and strategies for improving the local school's appeal. Data collection involved securing permission from the cluster head and personally administering questionnaires to all respondents. The results indicate several key factors contributing to students' preference for distant schools, including the perceived quality of education, availability of facilities, and extracurricular opportunities. Based on these findings, the study recommends that Lampari National High School organize regular parent meetings and seminars to address enrollment issues, collaborate with stakeholders to establish school-based programs such as a food program and recreational facilities and encourage parents to actively support their children's education. Additionally, it is suggested that future studies expand to include other secondary schools in the Division of South Cotabato to gain a broader understanding of the factors influencing student enrollment decisions. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions that align with the unique preferences and motivations of Grade 7 students to enhance the attractiveness of local educational institutions.
