SE Kentucky News

There were 462 eighth grade students enrolled in Knox County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 36.3% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Knox County Middle School welcomed most of the eighth grade students in the county, registering 245 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 8th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Knox County Middle School	245	51.7%	474
Lynn Camp Middle High School	93	17.4%	534
Barbourville City School	81	10.7%	760
Knox Appalachian School	17	17.9%	95
Knox Inspire Academy	13	13.4%	97
Knox County Day Treatment	11	16.2%	68
Barbourville Learning Center	2	16.7%	12