East Kentucky Times

There were 681 sixth grade students enrolled in Pike County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 2.9% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Belfry Middle School welcomed most of the sixth grade students in the county, registering 124 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 6th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Belfry Middle School	124	33.6%	369
Pikeville Elementary School	97	14.2%	684
Valley Elementary School	91	9.9%	919
Mullins Elementary School	75	9.2%	812
Millard School	72	10.9%	663
Johns Creek Elementary School	59	8.3%	712
Elkhorn City Elementary School	52	10.9%	476
Phelps Elementary School	41	12.8%	320
Dorton Elementary School	28	9.9%	283
Feds Creek Elementary School	18	9.6%	188
Kimper Elementary School	15	10.9%	138
Pike County Day Treatment	7	14.3%	49
Northpoint Academy	2	1.9%	103