Record High School Graduation Rate Achieved in Florida
Florida Education Leaders Celebrate Highest High School Graduation Rate in State History
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. — In a remarkable achievement, Florida education leaders are proudly announcing the state’s highest high school graduation rate in history. According to data from the Florida Department of Education, an impressive 88% of high schoolers in the state successfully graduated during the 2022/23 school year. What is even more remarkable is that nearly all of the area school districts surpassed this rate, demonstrating the dedication and commitment of educators and students alike.
High school graduation is widely regarded as the pinnacle of the education experience, and this year, more students than ever before have crossed the stage in Florida. Christine Sylvain, the executive director of Path To College in Palm Beach County, plays a vital role in helping students achieve this milestone. She emphasized the critical importance of having someone in students’ corners, guiding them through high school and onto college. Sylvain leads the nonprofit organization, which focuses on empowering students from lower-income backgrounds to reach their full potential.
“Our schools do as much as they can during the hours of the school day,” Sylvain explained. “But some of our kids need extra support after the schools close. So at Path To College, we meet with students after school to provide mentoring, tutoring, career exploration, internships, and assistance with college applications and scholarships.”
The impressive graduation rates were not limited to the state as a whole. In fact, most of the area’s school districts exceeded the state’s average of 88%. Palm Beach County achieved a graduation rate of 90.5%, while Martin County and St. Lucie County achieved rates of 90.3% and 91.5%, respectively. Okeechobee County recorded a rate of 71.7%, while Indian River County emerged as the leader in the region with an outstanding graduation rate of 95.6%.
Superintendent Dr. David Moore of the School District of Indian River County attributed the district’s success to collaboration and hard work. He highlighted the district’s commitment to monitoring students’ graduation progress starting from their freshman year, intervening and providing support whenever necessary. Moore emphasized that improving graduation rates requires continuous efforts throughout a student’s entire four-year experience, rather than just focusing on the final year.
Moreover, Moore credited student involvement in sports and extracurricular activities for keeping students engaged and on track in the classroom. The graduation rate for Palm Beach County schools, in particular, not only surpassed the state average but also outperformed other large urban school districts in Florida. According to the Florida Department of Education, Palm Beach County experienced an overall increase in graduation rate from 89% to 90.5%, with district-operated schools achieving a rate of 94.1%. Over a five-year period, the graduation rate saw a commendable increase of 3.4%.
Superintendent Mike Burke expressed his pride in the achievements of the Class of 2023, stating, “This achievement represents our students being prepared and ready for life beyond high school. I am proud of all the accomplishments of the Class of 2023 and appreciate the dedicated team of educators, staff, and administrators who have made this achievement possible.”
Notably, six Palm Beach County schools achieved graduation rates of 99% or higher, including Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, Olympic Heights Community High School, Spanish River Community High School, Suncoast High School, Village Academy (100%), and West Boca Raton Community High School.
The exceptional high school graduation rates in Florida and the area’s school districts serve as a testament to the tireless efforts of educators, students, and community organizations. Through their collective dedication, they have paved the way for a brighter future for Florida’s youth.
