SE Kentucky News

There were 463 preschool students enrolled in Laurel County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 12.7% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

East Bernstadt Elementary School welcomed most of the preschool students in the county, registering 61 students.

Within Laurel County schools, the highest student population was found in first grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in preschool.

Statewide, Laurel County ranked 14th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 14th the year before.

Kentucky is in the midst of a statewide teacher shortage as turnover rates spiked to 10.9% in 2023, up from an 8.9% nine-year average. This issue is more prominent in schools with more low-income and minority students.

Data also shows that between 2019 and 2023, there was an increase of 260% in the number of available teaching posts in Kentucky schools. This often leads to larger class sizes, combining programs, and retaining staff despite potential negative impacts on teacher working conditions.

School	# of Preschool Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
East Bernstadt Elementary School	61	11.3%	538
Sublimity Elementary School	51	14.5%	351
Wyan-Pine Grove Elementary School	45	9.6%	471
Hazel Green Elementary School	44	11.1%	398
Bush Elementary School	43	7.7%	559
Hunter Hills Elementary School	42	6.4%	659
London Elementary School	41	6.8%	603
Colony Elementary School	40	9.4%	424
Keavy Elementary School	33	10.4%	318
Johnson Elementary School	22	6.1%	359
Camp Ground Elementary School	21	6.1%	345
Cold Hill Elementary School	20	6.7%	297