SE Kentucky News

There were 266 preschool students enrolled in Knox County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 38.5% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Jesse D. Lay Elementary School welcomed most of the preschool students in the county, registering 69 students.

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

Statewide, Knox County ranked 47th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 47th 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
Jesse D. Lay Elementary School	69	17.5%	394
Lynn Camp Elementary School	52	8.8%	594
G. R. Hampton Elementary School	39	12.7%	307
Central Elementary School	33	7.8%	424
Barbourville City School	32	4.2%	760
Flat Lick Elementary School	21	9.4%	224
Girdler Elementary School	20	6%	332