Jackson Purchase News

There were 508 eighth grade students enrolled in Graves County schools in the 2022-23 school year, 6.3% more than the previous year, according to the Kentucky Department of Education.

Graves County Middle School welcomed most of the eighth grade students in the county, registering 354 students.

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

Statewide, Graves County ranked 29th in enrollment numbers. It was also ranked 29th 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 8th Grade Students Enrolled	% of Student Body	Total Enrollment
Graves County Middle School	354	53.2%	665
Mayfield Middle School	151	26.5%	570
Mayfield Youth Development Center	3	8.3%	36