East Kentucky Times

There were 631 fourth grade students enrolled in Pike County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 0.9% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Mullins Elementary School welcomed most of the fourth grade students in the county, registering 92 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 4th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Mullins Elementary School	92	11.3%	812
Belfry Elementary School	90	14.2%	632
Pikeville Elementary School	84	12.3%	684
Valley Elementary School	74	8.1%	919
Millard School	60	9%	663
Elkhorn City Elementary School	58	12.2%	476
Johns Creek Elementary School	50	7%	712
Phelps Elementary School	45	14.1%	320
Bevins Elementary School	33	12.9%	255
Dorton Elementary School	22	7.8%	283
Feds Creek Elementary School	13	6.9%	188
Kimper Elementary School	10	7.2%	138