East Kentucky Times

There were 810 10th grade students enrolled in Pike County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 2.3% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Pike County Central High School welcomed most of the 10th grade students in the county, registering 195 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 10th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Pike County Central High School	195	28.5%	685
Shelby Valley High School	169	29.1%	581
Belfry High School	140	24.5%	572
East Ridge High School	117	24.8%	471
Pikeville High School	91	17%	535
Phelps High School	53	20.9%	253
Pike County Virtual Academy	25	18%	139
Northpoint Academy	13	12.6%	103
Pike County Day Treatment	7	14.3%	49