East Kentucky Times

There were 86 eighth grade students enrolled in Wolfe County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 13.1% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Wolfe County Middle School welcomed most of the eighth grade students in the county, registering 85 students.

Within Wolfe County schools, the highest student population was found in 10th grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in fourth grade.

Statewide, Wolfe County ranked 107th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 107th 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
Wolfe County Middle School	85	47.8%	178
Dessie Scott School	1	3.8%	26