NE Kentucky News

There were 327 fifth grade students enrolled in Carter County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 15.1% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Prichard Elementary School welcomed most of the fifth grade students in the county, registering 96 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 5th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Prichard Elementary School	96	14.4%	668
Olive Hill Elementary School	69	16.6%	415
Tygart Creek Elementary School	63	16.8%	375
Heritage Elementary School	47	12.8%	367
Carter City Elementary School	27	16.9%	160
Star Elementary School	22	15.2%	145
Carter Virtual Academy	3	2.9%	102