The Rochester City School District has again achieved its highest graduation rate in consecutive years for more than a decade. The New York State Education Department released its data for the 2019 graduating class showing Rochester’s four-year graduation rate was 63.0% in August, which is a 3.7 percentage point increase from the previous year.
This continues a trend of a steady increase in graduation rates. Of note:
- 15.9% increase for English Language Learners, from 26.7% to 42.6%.
- 7.6% increase for Hispanic students, from 55.0% to 62.6%.
- 5.3% increase for Students with Disabilities, from 41.7% to 47.0%.
- 2.9% increase for Black students, from 59.7% to 62.6%.
- 1.5% decrease in Dropouts, from 18.3% to 16.8%.
“These numbers are a testament to the hard work our RCSD family has done over the last year. We are clearly taking big steps towards assuring all of our students graduate,” said Superintendent Terry Dade. “However, much work is still to be done during very difficult times. I am convinced that we can achieve great accomplishments working together for the benefit of our students.”
On behalf of the Board of Education, President Van Henri White noted “Our successful efforts at increasing our graduation rates amount to a journey, and this most recent data reveals that with each graduating cohort, we come closer to our obligation and commitment to make this District what it needs to be for the children and families of our City. The members of the Board of Education wish to thank every staff member and family member who assisted each and every graduate in their journey across that stage in 2019.“
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