East Kentucky Times

There were 639 third grade students enrolled in Pike County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 0.8% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Belfry Elementary School welcomed most of the third grade students in the county, registering 91 students.

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

Statewide, Pike County ranked 17th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 17th 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 3rd Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Belfry Elementary School	91	14.4%	632
Pikeville Elementary School	90	13.2%	684
Valley Elementary School	89	9.7%	919
Mullins Elementary School	81	10%	812
Johns Creek Elementary School	75	10.5%	712
Millard School	65	9.8%	663
Elkhorn City Elementary School	40	8.4%	476
Phelps Elementary School	37	11.6%	320
Bevins Elementary School	27	10.6%	255
Dorton Elementary School	26	9.2%	283
Feds Creek Elementary School	11	5.9%	188
Kimper Elementary School	7	5.1%	138