Lawrence High posts record graduating class, expands early‑college and dual‑degree pathways

Lawrence High School administrators told the School Committee the district posted its largest graduating class in school history and highlighted expanded college and career pathways.

"On May 30, we had over 789 graduates. That is the largest graduating class in the school's history," Headmaster Carlos Caraballo told the board, and he noted steady increases from prior years. Caraballo said multiple graduates received acceptances and financial aid packages from selective colleges; he named institutions including Brown, UPenn, Boston College, Barnard, Boston University and Northeastern as places where graduates were admitted.

Caraballo reported the district administered more than 1,200 individual AP exams and that AP participation and pass rates have expanded. He said early-college enrollment is over 450 students and expected to surpass 500 at the next school year’s start, and announced a new dual-degree program allowing Lawrence High students to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree through a partnership with Merrimack College. The administration also noted increases in students earning the biliteracy seal.

Board members and district leadership credited partnerships with guidance counselors, external organizations and vocational programs that help students secure scholarships, internships and college credit. The superintendent said the district will continue to promote these pathways and to publicize student successes.

Administrators also highlighted CTE and regional vocational student participation, robust performing-arts recognition, and athletic achievements during the school year. Summer programming, including a summer school enrollment of about 2,900 students and a zoned enrichment plan with weekly field trips, was presented as part of continuity planning for student engagement over the break.