WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Florida public high school graduation rates decreased by 2.8 percentage points in one year though it is up 0.4 percentage point from the COVID-19 pre-pandemic rates and has increased significantly over the past 18 years.
The statewide average was 87.3% in the 2021-22 school year compared with 90.1% in 2020-21 and 59.2% in 2003-04, according to data released Friday by the Department of Education. The rate in 2018-19 was 86.9%, which is the last year the statewide standardized assessment requirements for graduation were in place.
The Palm Beach School District-operated schools rate of 92.8% exceeded the six other large urban school districts, including Broward and Miami0-Dade, though last year it was 95.9%. Pre-pandemic it was 91.6%. The county rate, including charter and alternative schools, was 89.0%.
All three Treasure Coast counties exceeded 90%: Indian River 94.6%, St. Lucie 90.8%, Martin 90.7%. Okeechobee was 75.3%. The two highest districts in the state: Lafayette 97.6%, Wakula 97.0%.
The graduation rate measures the percentage of students who graduate within four years of enrollment in ninth grade.
Among the most recent 2019-20 federal rates available, Florida ranked ninth. The state agency noted that because states have different requirements in receiving diplomas, the rates are not directly comparable.
Broken down by demographics, Florida's males had an 84.7% rate and females were 89.9%. By race, white students were 90.6%, Black or African-American 85.9%, Hispanic/Latino 85.9%, Asian 96.2%, American Indian or Alaska Native 84.6%, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 86.4% and two or more races 86.8%.
Twenty of the 24 Palm Beach School District-operated schools had graduation rates of 90% or higher including four 100%: Pahokee Middle-Senior, Olympic Heights, Spanish River, Village Academy. Two alternative schools also were 100%: Royal Palm Beach, Palm Beach Virtual.
Other high rates: Dreyfoos 99.4%, Suncoast 99%, West Boca Raton 98.2%, Park Vista 97.9%, Wellington 97.8%, Dwyer 96.8%, Boca Raton 96.5%, Seminole Ridge 96%.
Those below 90% are Palm Beach Lakes 79.7%, Boynton Beach 80.7%, Atlantic 88.6%, Forest Hill 85.9%. Atlantic was 94.9% a year earlier.
The county's charter schools had a 61.1% rate, led by Slam Boca, 100% in it first graduating class, followed by South Tech with 96.9% and Someret Academy Canyons with 96.7%.
“I am extremely encouraged by the graduation performance of our Class of 2022, and expressed my gratitude to our dedicated high school principals," Superintendent Mike Burke said in a news release. “This graduation rate, when compared to our pre-pandemic rate, should be viewed as a victory, as detailed in the Executive Summary."
The Indian River School District was fourth among the 67 districts, moving up one place in the past year, including first on the Treasure Coast.
Among the two high schools, Sebastian River and Vero Beach, it was a 96% rate.
"Congratulations to our students and teams at the schools, while also recognizing all the educators from elementary levels through the high school level that contribute to this work.” Superintendent of Schools Dr. David K. Moore said.
St. Lucie County, the largest school on the Treasure Coast, was fourth in the state among schools with at least 3,000 graduating students. The six traditional high schools had a rate of 95.5% for the 2021-2022 school year.
“Our teachers and administrators have worked relentlessly with our students to overcome the lost time that resulted from COVID. I’m proud of all our students who’ve worked so hard to cross that finish line, St. Lucie Superintendent Dr. Jon R. Prince said.
Private elementary and secondary schools in Florida are not licensed, approved, accredited or regulated by the Florida Department of Education.
Following are the breakdowns for South Florida districts:
Palm Beach: 89.0% 2021-22, 91.0% 2020-21, 90.2% 2019-20, 87.1% 2018-19.
Martin: 90.7% 2021-22, 94.1% 2020-21, 90.2% 2019-20, 87.4% 2018-19.
St. Lucie: 90.8% 2021-22, 94.5% 2020-21, 93.2% 2019-20, 90.4% 2018-19.
Indian River: 94.6% 2021-22, 95.0% 2020-21, 93.4% 2019-20, 88.5% 2018-19.
Okeechobee: 75.3% 2021-22, 85.1% 2020-21, 84.2% 2019-20, 75.8% 2018-19.
Broward: 87.2% 2021-22, 89.1% 2020-21, 89.4% 2019-20, 86.2% 2018-19.
Miami-Dade: 88.2% 2021-22, 90.1% 2020-21, 89.6% 2019-20, 85.6% 2018-19.