In a recent government meeting, officials highlighted significant improvements in graduation rates across local schools, attributing this success to dedicated student support services and innovative programming. The meeting revealed that the overall graduation rate reached an impressive 81.9%, surpassing the previous high of 76.6% in 2022. Notably, the graduation rate for foster care students also saw a remarkable increase, climbing from 53.6% in 2018 to 75.9% this year.
Every school reported an increase in graduation rates, with many achieving their highest rates ever. East and EIA schools celebrated consecutive years of record-high graduation rates, while Chester Lewis School also marked its highest rate since the separation of its programs. The meeting emphasized the importance of relentless efforts to engage students who had previously dropped out, with staff actively reaching out to encourage them to return and complete their education.
Several success stories were shared, illustrating the impact of targeted programs. For instance, a night school initiative helped students like Anthony and Christian graduate by providing flexible learning options. Another student, Rommel, who faced significant challenges after being released from custody, successfully graduated through the GAP program, highlighting the importance of support systems in education.
Officials expressed their commitment to continue improving graduation rates, setting ambitious goals to reach 85% and beyond. They underscored that a high school diploma can profoundly change a student's life, reinforcing the need for innovative programming and dedicated support to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.