SE Kentucky News

There were 345 sixth grade students enrolled in Knox County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 8.2% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Lynn Camp Middle High School welcomed most of the sixth grade students in the county, registering 79 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 6th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Lynn Camp Middle High School	79	14.8%	534
Central Elementary School	58	13.7%	424
Barbourville City School	50	6.6%	760
Jesse D. Lay Elementary School	39	9.9%	394
G. R. Hampton Elementary School	33	10.7%	307
Girdler Elementary School	29	8.7%	332
Flat Lick Elementary School	27	12.1%	224
Dewitt Elementary School	20	13.7%	146
Knox Appalachian School	4	4.2%	95
Knox County Day Treatment	4	5.9%	68
Knox Inspire Academy	2	2.1%	97