East Kentucky Times

There were 636 fifth grade students enrolled in Pike County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 3.9% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Mullins Elementary School welcomed most of the fifth grade students in the county, registering 95 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 5th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Mullins Elementary School	95	11.7%	812
Pikeville Elementary School	86	12.6%	684
Valley Elementary School	81	8.8%	919
Belfry Elementary School	76	12%	632
Johns Creek Elementary School	58	8.1%	712
Millard School	57	8.6%	663
Elkhorn City Elementary School	41	8.6%	476
Bevins Elementary School	38	14.9%	255
Dorton Elementary School	34	12%	283
Phelps Elementary School	33	10.3%	320
Feds Creek Elementary School	22	11.7%	188
Kimper Elementary School	15	10.9%	138