East Kentucky Times

There were 216 ninth grade students enrolled in Knott County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 20% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Knott County Central High School welcomed most of the ninth grade students in the county, registering 188 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 9th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Knott County Central High School	188	32%	587
Cordia School	28	12.5%	224