North Bluegrass News

There were 543 kindergarten students enrolled in Franklin County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 6.4% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Early Learning Village welcomed most of the kindergarten students in the county, registering 279 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 Kindergarten Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Early Learning Village	279	65.8%	424
Collins Lane	83	15%	555
Second Street School	68	11%	618
Bridgeport Elementary School	59	13.4%	440
Westridge Elementary School	54	13.2%	409