More Calvert County Public Schools students are receiving high school diplomas than ever before, according to data released by the Maryland State Department of Education. As the graduation rate hit a new high, the dropout rate declined.
The 2014 four-year cohort graduation rate reached 94.09 percent after hovering at just over 91 percent every year since 2010. The dropout rate declined from 5.95 percent in 2010 to 4.01 percent in 2014.
Dr. Daniel D. Curry, Superintendent of Schools, said, “We are pleased to see the hard work of our staff and students pay off. More graduates and fewer dropouts are just what we need to fuel economic recovery in Calvert County. This is a great place to go to school. ”
The principals of the four high schools attribute the increase to the diligent work of staff members who provide interventions and establish relationships with students to create a supportive school culture.
Significantly, the gaps between students in racial and ethnic groups are small. Four-year cohort graduation rates for African-American, Hispanic, and white students all improved between 2010 and 2014. The graduation rate for African-American students is 94.14 percent; for Hispanic students, 94 percent; and for white students, 93.94 percent. Students who identify as two or more races graduated at a rate of 94.37 percent and Asian students at over 95 percent.
While gaps in graduation rates between student groups receiving special services remain, the numbers improved in 2014. The graduation rate for students receiving special education services increased to 75.34 percent from 73.26 percent in 2010. The graduation rate for students receiving free or reduced-price meals increased to 90.65 percent from 83.98 percent in 2010.
In 2010, Maryland moved to the cohort graduation rate, which follows a set group of students from freshman year through senior year, as does the dropout rate.
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Media Contact
Catherine Page
410-535-7428
pagec@calvertnet.k12.md.us