IPS graduation rate continues 10-year climb, even as rate drops statewide

Data released by the state this week showed 87 percent of students graduated in 2017, down slightly from 89 percent in 2016. Several statewide initiatives contributed to the steady increase in the graduation rate.

"We recognize there is still work to be done, and will continue to partner with local districts to ensure every student graduates prepared for life beyond high school", state Superintendent Jennifer McCormick said in a statement.

Indianapolis Public Schools' high school graduation rate continued a 10-year upward trend in 2017 - even as the state as a whole saw a decline.

The area schools honored Friday included Williamstown High School and Parkersburg South High School in Wood County, Calhoun County Middle/High School in Calhoun County, Doddridge County High School in Doddridge County, Gilmer County High School in Gilmer County, Ripley High School and Ravenswood High School in Jackson County, St. Marys High School in Pleasants County, Roane County High School in Roane County and Tyler Consolidated High School in Tyler County.

EACS was down similarly in 2017, with a graduation rate of 91.36 percent at its high schools and non-waiver rate of 81.11 percent. Both schools dropped about three points from the previous year. The improvement significantly narrowed the gap between the district and the state average.

Pioneer High School's graduation rate for 2017 was 86.3 percent.

In IPS, most of the gains were at schools slated to close at the end of this year.

"It's obviously an accomplishment for our school and community" PikeView High School Principal Mark Godfrey said.

SACS finished just a few tenths of a percent lower than 2016 with 2017 rates of 96.13 percent graduation rate at Homestead High School and a non-waiver rate of 94.01 percent. "We are very glad our students are seeing the importance of graduation".

The school also had 13 of its 15 special education students earn a diploma last spring, while two other students received a certificate of completion, which isn't considered as an official high school diploma and counts against a school's graduation rate.