East Louisville News

There were 522 sixth grade students enrolled in Shelby County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 6.1% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Shelby County West Middle School welcomed most of the sixth grade students in the county, registering 221 students.

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

Statewide, Shelby County ranked 26th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 26th 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 6th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Shelby County West Middle School	221	34.2%	647
Shelby County East Middle School	170	28.7%	592
Marnel C. Moorman School	129	15.7%	823
Ascension Academy	2	2.9%	70