East Kentucky Times

There were 147 fifth grade students enrolled in Knott County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 13.5% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Hindman Elementary School welcomed most of the fifth grade students in the county, registering 41 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 5th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Hindman Elementary School	41	8.6%	475
Carr Creek Elementary School	36	9.2%	392
Beaver Creek Elementary School	24	11.4%	210
Emmalena Elementary School	18	7.8%	232
Jones Fork Elementary School	15	7.7%	195
Cordia School	13	5.8%	224