Jackson Purchase News

There were 75 ninth grade students enrolled in Fulton County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 5.1% less than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Fulton County High School welcomed most of the ninth grade students in the county, registering 53 students.

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

Statewide, Fulton County ranked 114th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 114th 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
Fulton County High School	53	28.8%	184
Fulton Independent School	22	5.9%	375