On-Time Graduation Rate A Record For Alexandria Schools In 2021

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Graduation rates increased for the class of 2021 at Alexandria City Public Schools, according to data released Thursday by the Virginia Department of Education.

The on-time graduation rate for the class of 2021 was 91 percent, up from 82 percent in 2020. The dropout rate fell from 14 percent to 5 percent as well. This was the highest on-time graduation rate and lowest dropout rate for ACPS since the Virginia Department of Education began reporting the data in 2008. The statewide averages are 93 percent on-time graduation and a 4.3 percent dropout rate.

"We are thrilled that more than 90 [percent] of our students graduated in 2021, and that the number of students who dropped out of school was just one-third of what that rate was in 2020," stated Alexandria City High School Principal Peter Balas. "We know there is still work to be done but I want to acknowledge the remarkable gains of our students, especially our Hispanic students and English learners, as we report the highest graduation rate ever for ACPS. It takes a strategic, concerted effort by our division leaders and staff to provide our young people with the resources and supports they need to earn their high school diplomas."

The rates improved in most student subgroups, with the largest increases seen among English learners (19 percentage points), Hispanic students (15 percentage points), and economically disadvantaged students (10 percentage points). Student dropout rates fell among all subgroups, with the highest changes being English learners (24 percent to 9 percent), Hispanic students (25 percent to 11 percent) and economically disadvantaged students (17 percent to 7 percent). The dropout rates hit all-time lows for Black students (2.4 percent) and white students (0.8 percent).

Here are the on-time graduation rates for different student groups:

• All students: 90.8 percent
• Asian: 97.4 percent
• Black: 92.7 percent
• Hispanic: 83.7 percent
• White: 98 percent
• Two or more races: 100 percent
• Students with disabilities: 94.6 percent
• Economically disadvantaged students: 88.3 percent
• English Learners: 89.7 percent

Here are the dropout rates for different student groups:

• All students: 5.3 percent
• Asian: 0 percent
• Black: 2.4 percent
• Hispanic: 11 percent
• White: 0.8 percent
• Two or more races: 0 percent
• Students with disabilities: 5.4 percent
• Economically disadvantaged students: 6.8 percent
• English Learners: 9.4 percent

Continued state flexibility for graduation rates factored into the high rates for the class of 2021. The state Board of Education's emergency guidelines provide additional options for students to verify credits for successful coursework. The state superintendent of education also extended waivers for certain assessment-dependent graduation requirements. The state allowed school divisions to award verified credits to students scoring above 350 on end-of-course Standard of Learning assessments after review by a panel. One part of the standard requirement typically includes a score above 375.

School support structures were other factors contributing to the graduation rates and dropout rates, according to the Virginia Department of Education. ACPS has a Graduation Task Force to increase the graduation rates and decrease the dropout rates of Hispanic students. According to an ACPS statement, the task force monitored the graduation status of all ACPS students, identifying those who needed extra support and developing plans to help them stay on track for graduation. The latest task fore was made up of leaders and stakeholders high school campuses, Central Office, the adult education and alternative pathway programs, and the juvenile detention center.

Another program that addresses graduation outcomes is the ACPS Multi-Tiered System of Support, an early intervention to prevent long-term academic failure. Staff identify students that need intervention and support from social workers, counselors and learning administrators. Students who needed specific assessments or classes in the summer were also assisted so they could recover any credits or requirements needed for 2021 graduation in August.

"I want to commend all of our 2021 ACPS graduates for their hard work and resilience as they navigated a challenging senior year and achieved the highest graduation rate we have ever seen in our school division," said Superintendent Gregory Hutchings, Jr in a statement. "We are so proud of each and every student. I also want to recognize the deep commitment and tremendous work of our families, teachers, administrators, counselors, social workers, psychologists, and so many others in ACPS who did everything in their power to support our young people in earning their high school diplomas."

More information on graduation rates is available from the Virginia Department of Education.