West Pennyroyal News

There were 667 third grade students enrolled in Barren County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 3.7% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Highland Elementary School welcomed most of the third grade students in the county, registering 123 students.

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

Statewide, Barren County ranked 18th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 18th 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
Highland Elementary School	123	15.1%	816
Red Cross Elementary School	99	13.1%	753
South Green Elementary School	89	15%	595
North Jackson Elementary School	72	12.3%	583
Caverna Elementary School	53	15%	354
Eastern Elementary School	51	13.5%	378
Park City Elementary School	51	11.7%	436
Austin Tracy Elementary School	47	12.8%	366
Hiseville Elementary School	41	12.7%	322
Temple Hill Elementary School	36	12.1%	298
BAVEL	5	1.8%	275