Hopkinsville Times

There were 157 eighth grade students enrolled in Caldwell County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 3.7% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Caldwell County Middle School is the only school in the county that welcomed eighth grade students.

Within Caldwell County schools, the highest student population was found in ninth grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in 11th grade and 12th grade.

Statewide, Caldwell County ranked 92nd in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 92nd 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 8th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Caldwell County Middle School	157	34.5%	455