North Bluegrass News

There were 336 preschool students enrolled in Franklin County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 2.4% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Early Learning Village welcomed most of the preschool students in the county, registering 145 students.

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

Statewide, Franklin County ranked 21st in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 21st 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
Early Learning Village	145	34.2%	424
Frankfort Early Learning Academy	72	100%	72
Westridge Elementary School	46	11.2%	409
Collins Lane	37	6.7%	555
Bridgeport Elementary School	36	8.2%	440