West Pennyroyal News

There were 128 first grade students enrolled in Metcalfe County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 15.3% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Metcalfe County Elementary School is the only school in the county that welcomed first grade students.

Within Metcalfe County schools, the highest student population was found in 10th grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in preschool.

Statewide, Metcalfe County ranked 103rd in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 103rd 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 1st Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Metcalfe County Elementary School	128	18.5%	691