PWCS on-time graduation rate climbs to new high - 91.8 percent

A record number of Prince William County Public School students graduated on time in 2016. The new on-time graduation rate of 91.8 percent for students who entered high school in the fall of 2011 and graduated in 2016 continues a steady climb from 83 percent eight years ago, and again outpaces statewide results.

“This exciting news confirms that our efforts toward continuous improvement are really paying off for our students,” Associate Superintendent for High Schools Mickey Mulgrew was quoted as saying in the release.

Among PWCS graduates, 51.8% earned Advanced Studies or International Baccalaureate diplomas, with 44.8% of graduates earning Standard Diplomas and 3.4% of graduates earning Modified Standard or Special Diplomas.

PWCS continued to close the gap in the graduation rates of student subgroups, showing solid increases from 2015 and significantly outperforming results from across the Commonwealth.

Graduation rate for black students increased from 91.2%% in 2015 to 91.8% in 2016, compared with 88.3% percent statewide;

Graduation rate for Hispanic students increased from 85.0% in 2015 to 86.2% in 2016; the VA rate is 82.8%.

Graduation rate for economically disadvantaged students increased from 87% in 2015 to 88.2% in 2016; and

Graduation rate for English Learners increased from 76.7% in 2015 to 77.3% in 2016.

Individually, All 11 PWCS High Schools with 2016 graduating classes met the graduation benchmark required for full accreditation. Those schools not yet matching the state’s on-time graduation rate are closing the gap. Gar-Field led that group, boosting its on-time graduation rate nearly two points over 2015.

Here are the on-time graduation rates for individual high schools as provided by PWCS:
Battlefield, 97.8%; Brentsville, 91.7%; Forest Park, 93.0%; Freedom, 84.6%; Gar-Field, 87.0%; Hylton, 94.8%; Osbourn Park, 94.5%; Patriot, 96.9%; Potomac, 90.7%; Stonewall Jackson, 85.1%; and Woodbridge, 90.5%.