Page 6 - FDLRS Focus Winter 2021

District High School Graduation Rates Go Up!

The graduation rate for the Class of 2020 in Palm Beach County’s District-operated schools climbed to 94.4%,
according to the Florida Department of Education. This rate represents a sharp increase from the 91.6%
graduation rate in 2019.
The School District’s graduation rate, which was released on January 7, continues to outpace the state’s
average of 90%. Twenty-two of the District’s high schools have a graduation rate of 90% or higher.
Lake Worth Community High School earned a 12.3% increase to 91.1%, Palm Beach Gardens Community
High School achieved a 6.3% gain to 96.7%, and Palm Beach Lakes Community High School showed a 4.7%
increase to 87.8%. Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts had a 100% graduation rate. Village Academy
had the largest single-year increase of 18.7% to achieve a 100% graduation rate.
The District also continues closing the achievement gap. The number of Black student graduates jumped by
5%, Hispanic students by 2.7%, and White students by 1.3%.
Also notable is the 11.5% increase in the graduation rate among English Language Learners (ELLs) and the
Free or Reduced Lunch (FRL) students’ rate increased by 4.7%. Students with Disabilities (SWD) increased by
2.5%.
“I couldn't be more proud of our students, teachers, and school administrators,” said Superintendent Donald E.
Fennoy II. “Our challenge now, in this time of COVID, is maintaining this level of success. As a District, we
will continue to work in the best interest of our students and make up for any lost ground to elevate our future
graduating classes.”
The 94.4% District graduation rate does not include charter schools operated in Palm Beach County. The
graduation rate for all schools, including charter schools, increased to 90.2%, up from last year's 87.1% rate.
Across the state, the overall 2020 graduation rate of 90% showed a 9.3% increase over the last five years,
according to the Florida Department of Education.
The FY20 federal high school graduation rate includes standard diplomas but excludes special diplomas and
General Education Diplomas (GEDs). When comparing the 2019-2020 graduation rate to prior years, it is
important to note that pursuant to Florida Department of Education Emergency Order No. 2020-EO-1, students
in the 2019-20 graduating class were exempt from statewide, standardized assessment requirements stipulated
in s. 1003.4282, F.S.

Page 6 FDLRS Focus