NC Kentucky News

There were 616 10th grade students enrolled in Nelson County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 6.9% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Nelson County High School welcomed most of the 10th grade students in the county, registering 207 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 10th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Nelson County High School	207	25.5%	813
Thomas Nelson High School	187	26.6%	704
Bardstown High School	181	26%	697
The Academy at Horizons	31	26.5%	117
Bardstown Alternative School	10	13%	77