SE Bluegrass News

There were 1,019 kindergarten students enrolled in Madison County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 4.9% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Madison Kindergarten Academy welcomed most of the kindergarten students in the county, registering 365 students.

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

Statewide, Madison County ranked eighth in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked eighth 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 Kindergarten Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Madison Kindergarten Academy	365	77.8%	469
Kirksville Elementary School	113	17.5%	644
Kingston Elementary School	107	15.8%	679
Berea Community Elementary School	91	16.2%	561
Silver Creek Elementary School	81	14.4%	562
Shannon Johnson Elementary School	76	14.8%	513
Waco Elementary School	72	15.3%	470
Model Elementary School	60	18.2%	329
Boonesborough Elementary School	54	11.8%	457