The graduation rate in Palm Beach County District-operated schools continues to climb. According to data just released by the Florida Department of Education, the School District achieved a 91.7 percent graduation rate for District operated schools in 2018, up from 90 percent in 2017. This increase means that the District continues to outperform other most large urban school districts in Florida for the fifth consecutive year.
The 91.7 percent graduate again exceeds the District’s long-term strategic plan outcome to achieve a graduation rate of 90 percent by 2021. For the third consecutive year, Black and Hispanic students in the District are improving their graduation rates with an increase of 9.2 percent and 5.2 percent respectively, as compared to last year.
“Increasing our graduation rate is a cornerstone of the District’s Strategic Plan,” said Superintendent Donald E. Fennoy II. “We are committed to providing a world-class education to ensure that our students graduate high school, and are college and career-ready.”
Twenty of the District’s high schools have a graduation rate of 90 percent or better with the largest increases at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School with a 4.6 percent increase, Atlantic Community High School with a 4.3 percent increase and Seminole Ridge Community High School with a 3.8 percent increase.
Three schools – Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, Suncoast Community High School, and Village Academy on the Art & Sara Jo Kobacker Campus – had a 100 percent graduation rate.
“This is cause for celebration across the District and for our school leaders and teachers who continue to provide top-notch education to our students,” Fennoy said. “We are very proud of our students’ success.”
The 91.7 percent rate does not include charter schools operated in Palm Beach County. The graduation rate for all schools, inclusive of charter schools, rose from 85 percent to 87.2 percent.
The FY18 Federal High School Graduation rate includes standard diplomas but excuses special diplomas and General Education Diplomas (GEDs). For more information on the District’s graduation rates, including a school-by-school listing of graduation rates, read the Executive Summary.
