East Pennyroyal News

There were 237 eighth grade students enrolled in Rockcastle County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 5.2% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Rockcastle County Middle School welcomed most of the eighth grade students in the county, registering 232 students.

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

Statewide, Rockcastle County ranked 65th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 65th 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
Rockcastle County Middle School	232	37.5%	618
Rockcastle Academy for Academic Achievement	5	7.5%	67