1939-1945: War's Effects
Despite remaining relatively well-attended through the worst of the Great Depression, the onset of World War II left the Bentley School, and many others, in a precarious position.
In less than a decade, enrollment went from an all-time high of 3,084 students in 1938-39, to just 1,055 in 1944-45. Students who enlisted or were drafted to the military sometimes re-enrolled at Bentley after their service. Others were killed in active duty or chose different paths when they returned home.