NW Kentucky News

There were 351 fifth grade students enrolled in Muhlenberg County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 8.7% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Greenville Elementary School welcomed most of the fifth grade students in the county, registering 86 students.

Within Muhlenberg County schools, the highest student population was found in first grade, with the smallest class sizes seen in 11th grade.

Statewide, Muhlenberg County ranked 41st in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 41st 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 5th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Greenville Elementary School	86	13.4%	640
Longest Elementary School	75	17.8%	421
Muhlenberg South Elementary School	74	12.2%	607
Bremen Elementary School	62	15.2%	409
Central City Elementary School	54	11.3%	478