Hopkinsville Times

There were 903 eighth grade students enrolled in Christian County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 14.7% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Christian County Middle School welcomed most of the eighth grade students in the county, registering 351 students.

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

Statewide, Christian County ranked 16th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 16th 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
Christian County Middle School	351	49.8%	705
Hopkinsville Middle School	328	52.9%	620
Cumberland Hall School	108	15.6%	691
Bluegrass Learning Academy	70	16.4%	426
Christian County Public Schools Virtual Learning Academy	39	16.4%	238
Christian County Day Treatment	7	17.5%	40