SW Bluegrass News

There were 410 sixth grade students enrolled in Boyle County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 8.2% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Boyle County Middle School welcomed most of the sixth grade students in the county, registering 247 students.

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

Statewide, Boyle County ranked 35th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 35th 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 6th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Boyle County Middle School	247	34.8%	710
John W. Bate Middle School	145	34.4%	422
Sunrise Academy	10	16.1%	62
Kentucky School for the Deaf	7	9.1%	77
Anchor Academy	1	1.4%	72