SE Kentucky News

There were 336 fifth grade students enrolled in Knox County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 48% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Lynn Camp Elementary School welcomed most of the fifth grade students in the county, registering 82 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 5th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Lynn Camp Elementary School	82	13.8%	594
Barbourville City School	51	6.7%	760
Central Elementary School	51	12%	424
Girdler Elementary School	47	14.2%	332
Jesse D. Lay Elementary School	37	9.4%	394
G. R. Hampton Elementary School	27	8.8%	307
Flat Lick Elementary School	23	10.3%	224
Dewitt Elementary School	17	11.6%	146
Knox Appalachian School	1	1.1%	95