SE Bluegrass News

There were 280 preschool students enrolled in Montgomery County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 22.3% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Northview Elementary School welcomed most of the preschool students in the county, registering 80 students.

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

Statewide, Montgomery County ranked 37th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 37th 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 Preschool Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Northview Elementary School	80	11.7%	683
Camargo Elementary School	77	11.5%	670
Mapleton Elementary School	67	11.7%	575
Mount Sterling Elementary School	56	12.1%	461