NW Kentucky News

There were 547 sixth grade students enrolled in Hopkins County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 5.4% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

James Madison Middle School welcomed most of the sixth grade students in the county, registering 181 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 6th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
James Madison Middle School	181	34.3%	528
Browning Springs Middle School	158	29.4%	538
South Hopkins Middle School	113	28.5%	396
Dawson Springs Junior-Senior High School	46	15.6%	295
West Hopkins School	43	11.1%	387
Hopkins County Day Treatment	6	6%	100