East Kentucky Times

There were 190 third grade students enrolled in Knott County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 16.6% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Carr Creek Elementary School welcomed most of the third grade students in the county, registering 50 students.

Within Knott County schools, the highest student population was found in ninth grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in preschool.

Statewide, Knott County ranked 78th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 78th 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 3rd Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Carr Creek Elementary School	50	12.8%	392
Hindman Elementary School	47	9.9%	475
Emmalena Elementary School	31	13.4%	232
Jones Fork Elementary School	24	12.3%	195
Beaver Creek Elementary School	22	10.5%	210
Cordia School	16	7.1%	224