Jackson Purchase News

There were 1,033 ninth grade students enrolled in McCracken County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 3.8% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

McCracken County High School welcomed most of the ninth grade students in the county, registering 574 students.

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

Statewide, McCracken County ranked 13th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 13th 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 9th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
McCracken County High School	574	27.2%	2,112
Paducah Tilghman High School	255	27.2%	936
McCracken Regional School	115	32.4%	355
McCracken Open Campus School	64	22.9%	279
Choices Educational Center	25	19.5%	128