SE Kentucky News

There were 396 ninth grade students enrolled in Harlan County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 4.1% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Harlan County High School welcomed most of the ninth grade students in the county, registering 332 students.

Within Harlan County schools, the highest student population was found in first grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in 12th grade.

Statewide, Harlan County ranked 38th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 38th 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 9th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Harlan County High School	332	31.1%	1,068
Harlan High School	64	15.4%	415