NC Kentucky News

There were 529 third grade students enrolled in Nelson County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 6.2% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Bardstown Elementary School welcomed most of the third grade students in the county, registering 203 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 3rd Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Bardstown Elementary School	203	24.3%	837
Foster Heights Elementary School	114	16.2%	703
Coxs Creek Elementary School	80	16.5%	484
Bloomfield Elementary School	46	15.6%	294
Boston School	45	10.8%	417
The New Haven School	36	8.8%	409
The Academy at Horizons	3	2.6%	117
Bardstown Alternative School	2	2.6%	77