Graduation Rates Up For Fairfax County Students In 2021

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Graduation rates increased for the class of 2021 at Fairfax County Public Schools, according to data released Thursday by the Virginia Department of Education.

The on-time graduation rate for the class of 2021 was 94.6 percent, up from 93 percent in 2020. That puts FCPS higher than the statewide rate of 93 percent who graduated on time. The FCPS dropout rate was 4.7 percent, compared to the state average of 4.3 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.

School support structures were other factors contributing to the graduation rates and dropout rates, according to the Virginia Department of Education.

"The class of 2021 faced incredible challenges during their senior year, from starting off the year with virtual instruction, to missed time with friends and family. Still, they persevered and reached a new level of success," stated FCPS Superintendent Scott Brabrand. "These results also reflect the commitment of our teachers, school leaders, and support staff to ensure equitable access to resources so that all of our students can achieve the ultimate goal of graduation."

Three groups that historically have the largest gaps in FCPS graduation rates had improvements. Hispanic, economically disadvantaged and English Learner students had higher on-time graduation rates and lower dropout rates than last year.

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

• All students: 94.6 percent, up from 93 percent
• Asian: 98.8 percent, up from 98.3 percent
• Black: 96 percent, up from 95.9 percent
• Hispanic: 83.7 percent, up from 79.2 percent
• White: 98.6 percent, same as last year
• Two or more races: 98.2 percent, up from 97.6 percent
• Students with disabilities: 94.8 percent, same as last year
• Economically disadvantaged students: 93.1 percent, up from 89.9 percent
• English Learners: 76.6 percent, up from 72.5 percent

Here are the dropout rates for different student groups:

• All students: 4.7 percent, down from 6.2 percent
• Asian: 0.8 percent, down from 1.2 percent
• Black: 2.7 percent, down from 2.8 percent
• Hispanic: 15.2 percent, down from 19.7 percent
• White: 0.9 percent, same as last year
• Two or more races: 1.2 percent, down from 1.9 percent
• Students with disabilities: 4.4 percent, down from 4.7 percent
• Economically disadvantaged students: 5.8 percent, down from 8.7 percent
• English Learners: 22.6 percent, down from 26.7 percent

The percentage of FCPS students earning advanced studies diplomas also increased to 68.5 percent in 2021 compared to 66.6 percent in 2019. Students with an applied studies diploma fell from 2.2 percent in 2019 to 1.2 percent in 2021.

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