NE Kentucky News

There were 302 third grade students enrolled in Carter County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 10.4% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Prichard Elementary School welcomed most of the third grade students in the county, registering 87 students.

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

Statewide, Carter County ranked 44th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 44th 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
Prichard Elementary School	87	13%	668
Olive Hill Elementary School	62	14.9%	415
Tygart Creek Elementary School	57	15.2%	375
Heritage Elementary School	54	14.7%	367
Carter City Elementary School	24	15%	160
Star Elementary School	16	11%	145
Carter Virtual Academy	2	2%	102