East Pennyroyal News

There were 308 eighth grade students enrolled in Marion County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 12% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Marion County Knight Academy welcomed most of the eighth grade students in the county, registering 289 students.

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

Statewide, Marion County ranked 53rd in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 53rd 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 8th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Marion County Knight Academy	289	50%	578
Hugh C. Spalding Academy	17	9.1%	187
Marion County High School	2	0.3%	721