SE Kentucky News

There were 750 seventh grade students enrolled in Laurel County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 9.4% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

North Laurel Middle School welcomed most of the seventh grade students in the county, registering 351 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 7th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
North Laurel Middle School	351	32.2%	1,089
South Laurel Middle School	335	31.7%	1,057
East Bernstadt Elementary School	38	7.1%	538
Laurel County Day Treatment	25	11.3%	222
Laurel County Schools Elearning Academy	1	7.7%	13