SE Bluegrass News

There were 87 preschool students enrolled in Nicholas County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 2.2% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Nicholas County Elementary School is the only school in the county that welcomed preschool students.

Within Nicholas County schools, the highest student population was found in kindergarten, with the smallest class sizes seen in 11th grade.

Statewide, Nicholas County ranked 108th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 108th 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
Nicholas County Elementary School	87	12.4%	700