In less than 10 years, Fulton County could be educating more than 90,000 students.

The forecast is part of a comprehensive study conducted by the Fulton County School System earlier this year that will help Fulton County Board of Education members plan for new schools and school expansion in the next decade.

The growth period starts next year with a growth rate pegged between 3.3 and 5.4 percent.

Estimates for South Fulton students are:

Elementary population increasing from 12,970 to between 13,064 and 13,328.

Middle school population jumping from 5,501 to between 5,758 and 5,874.

High school population increasing from 6,466 to between 6,683 and 6,818.

In 2001, two new elementary schools will be built. Connally Drive Elementary School will be built just north of Central Avenue, while The Meadows Elementary School is set for just west of Old National Highway.

By 2003, projections call for a new elementary school between Ga. Highway 92 and Cambellton Road and a new middle school northwest of Central Avenue.

Between 2003 and 2008, the system projects it will have to build five elementary schools, three middle schools and one high school system-wide.

While estimates have not been completed on the new schools, the system is looking at a variety of ways to pay for them, including:

Continuing the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.

Getting additional funds from the state for capital programs.

Floating a bond referendum.

Raising the property tax rate.

Using some of the system's reserves.

In the interim, the system will try and find other solutions to alleviate any overcrowding that might occur. Possible solutions include adding portable units, redistricting and year-round schools.