NW Kentucky News

There were 517 12th grade students enrolled in Hopkins County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 6.5% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Madisonville North Hopkins High School welcomed most of the 12th grade students in the county, registering 245 students.

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

Statewide, Hopkins County ranked 22nd in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 22nd 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 12th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Madisonville North Hopkins High School	245	19.6%	1,250
Hopkins County Central High School	166	20.1%	826
Hopkins County Schools Academy	62	64.6%	96
Dawson Springs Junior-Senior High School	37	12.5%	295
Hopkins County Day Treatment	7	7%	100