Graduation Rate Once Again Reaches All-Time High
Sept. 2, 2020
Our four-year graduation rate rose to an all-time high of 90.8% in 2020, up from 89.9% in 2019. Since 2012, our graduation rate has increased every year, rising more than 10 percentage points from the 2012 rate of 80.6%.
"I am thrilled by the outstanding improvements in our four-year graduation rate, setting yet another district record for the eighth consecutive year," said Superintendent Cathy Moore. "I am particularly proud that we have increased our graduation rate by more than 10 percentage points since 2012, with significantly larger gains among students of color and those from low-income families. It reflects the hard work and commitment of our teachers, principals, support staff, parents and, most importantly, students. We will continue to focus on our ultimate goal of preparing every student for productive citizenship, as well as college or career."
Class of 2020 Facts
Graduation rates increased in 2020 for nearly all student subgroups. The subgroups showing the largest gains were:
- English language learners (up 2.8 percentage points)
- Students with disabilities (up 2.3 percentage points)
- Black students (up 2.0 percentage points)
About two-thirds of high schools (22) had rates above 90%.
More than half of WCPSS high schools saw improvements in their graduation rate in 2020. High schools showing significant gains in 2020 included:
- Crossroads FLEX (5.9 percentage points to 100%)
- Athens Drive Magnet High School (3.7 percentage points to 90.4%)
- Middle Creek High (3.2 percentage points to 94.3%)
- Leesville Road High (2.8 percentage points to 95.1%)
Two other high schools had 100% graduation rates:
- Wake Early College of Health and Sciences
- Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy