East Kentucky Times

There were 753 eighth grade students enrolled in Pike County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 3.3% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Belfry Middle School welcomed most of the eighth grade students in the county, registering 133 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 8th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Belfry Middle School	133	36%	369
Mullins Elementary School	99	12.2%	812
Pikeville High School	99	18.5%	535
Valley Elementary School	89	9.7%	919
Johns Creek Elementary School	78	11%	712
Millard School	71	10.7%	663
Elkhorn City Elementary School	55	11.6%	476
Phelps High School	51	20.2%	253
Feds Creek Elementary School	30	16%	188
Dorton Elementary School	25	8.8%	283
Pike County Day Treatment	11	22.4%	49
Kimper Elementary School	11	8%	138
Northpoint Academy	1	1%	103