Graduation Rate Continues to Climb

For the seventh consecutive year, the four-year graduation rate improved in Iredell-Statesville Schools.  Up from 85.1% last year, the graduation rate rose to 87.1% for the 2011-2012 school year.  Overall, the news means more students than ever before are graduating in four years or less.

 

For the first time ever, North Carolina’s four-year cohort graduation rate exceeded 80 percent, according to North Carolina’s 2012 graduation rate report, presented to State Board of Education members today. In 2012, 80.2 percent of students who started ninth grade in 2008-09 completed high school in four years or less. This is up from the 2011 rate of 77.9 percent.

 

“This is tremendous news for North Carolina public schools and a testament to the hard work of principals, teachers, counselors and students,” State Superintendent June Atkinson said. “While I’m thrilled that our graduation rate is the highest ever, we will not rest until every student graduates career and college ready.”

 

State Board of Education Chairman Bill Harrison also commended the dedication of administrators and teachers to ensuring students’ success in school. “This is more solid proof that our public schools are definitely headed in the right direction. We still have a lot of work ahead of us but the path we’re on is the right one for North Carolina.”

 

Several high schools in Iredell-Statesville Schools showed significant improvement, including South Iredell and Monticello.  

 

"The improvements we've seen in our high school graduation rate just speaks to the level of dedication and commitment of our teachers and our students," said Superintendent Brady Johnson.  "Our young people are really beginning to see the value of a high school diploma, particularly in this economy.  We're very proud of the work they've done, and the work our teachers have done to help them reach this important milestone."