SE Kentucky News

There were 325 12th grade students enrolled in Perry County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 7.7% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Perry County Central High School welcomed most of the 12th grade students in the county, registering 200 students.

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

Statewide, Perry County ranked 33rd in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 33rd 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 12th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Perry County Central High School	200	21.5%	932
Hazard High School	76	24.1%	316
Buckhorn School	37	10.4%	357
Learning Academy	12	12.5%	96