NC Kentucky News

There were 603 preschool students enrolled in Nelson County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 16% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Bardstown Early Childhood Center welcomed most of the preschool students in the county, registering 299 students.

Within Nelson County schools, the highest student population was found in ninth grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in fifth grade.

Statewide, Nelson County ranked 23rd in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 23rd 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
Bardstown Early Childhood Center	299	100%	299
Nelson County Early Learning Center	199	100%	199
Boston School	37	8.9%	417
The New Haven School	36	8.8%	409
Bloomfield Elementary School	32	10.9%	294