Peabody Superintendent Promotes Improved Graduation Rates, Grade Recovery Efforts

PEABODY, MA — Peabody Public Schools are promoting district efforts to increase graduation rates and help students with grade-recovery efforts to allow them to advance to the next grade of schooling

According to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, PVMHS's four-year graduation rate increased from 85.7% in 2024 to 90.7% in 2025 — a 5% improvement that exceeded the state's target of 90.2%.

The school also saw significant gains among English learners and students with disabilities, whose graduation rates increased by 23.2% and 10.3%, respectively.

• Peabody Superintendent, Essex Tech Clash Over Admissions Policy

Superintendent Josh Vadala highlighted the graduation rates and grade-recovery efforts amid a dispute with Essex Tech over 22 Peabody rising ninth-graders whose admissions were rescinded by the vocational school because it said the students did not meet its standards for eighth-grade graduation.

In response, Vadala cited the district's support systems for students who need additional time or resources to complete required coursework. He said PVMHS offers multiple credit recovery options designed to help students meet graduation requirements while continuing to work toward their academic goals.

"Every student deserves the opportunity and support needed to reach graduation," Vadala said. "By offering multiple ways to recover credits, complete coursework and receive individual support, we are working to ensure that students have the resources they need to overcome challenges and receive their diploma."

One option is the school's "Period 8" program, which operates Monday through Thursday afternoons and provides eligible students who are deficient in a core academic course needed for graduation with an opportunity to recover credits. The instructional time helps students address missing credits and make progress toward earning their diplomas.

PVMHS also offers a night school option for students who need to recover credits. Through the online Edgenuity program, students complete coursework while meeting regularly with one of the three "graduation coaches." The staff members provide ongoing support and help students stay focused on completing the requirements necessary to graduate.

The Peabody Learning Academy is another pathway to graduation for PVMHS students, offering an alternative for students to pursue academic success, Vadala said.

Vadala said PVMHS is focusing on improving its Grade 9 passing rate by implementing a "more intentional approach to connecting Grade 9 students with their school community, their peers and consistent adult support."

Over the summer, PVMHS elevated a Grade 9 dean of students and two dedicated school counselors to provide support.

The school also named 20 Grade 9 advisory teachers and put in place a process to match students with advisory groups and individual advisors based on a "survey of students’ needs, passions and subject comfortability."

Throughout the school year, a Grade 9 advisory team and data team will work together to support students and teachers.

Vadala notes PVMHS continues to develop its advanced coursework options as well. The school offers 25 Advanced Placement courses, including the recent addition of AP Business and Personal Finance and AP Computer Science Principles.

DESE data shows that the percentage of PVMHS students completing advanced coursework increased from 48.7% in 2025 to 57.4% in 2026, exceeding the state's target of 53.5%.

"Through our credit recovery programs, graduation coaches and alternative learning opportunities, we can provide students with the individualized support and flexibility they need to get back on track and earn their diplomas," said PVMHS Principal Brooke Randall. "We are proud of the progress our students are making, and we remain committed to helping every student reach their full potential."