NYC High School Graduation Rate Hits An All-Time High

New York City’s high school graduation rate reached a record high last year, with 74.3 percent of students receiving their diploma. This marked a 1.2 percent increase from 2016, and continued a long-term uptick in the city’s graduation rate, which has risen 28 points since 2005.

The graduation rates for students still learning English also increased slightly, from 31 percent in 2016 to 32.5 percent in 2017. Meanwhile, the dropout rate has steadily declined to an all-time low—7.8 percent.

“New York City is showing that when we invest in our students, they rise to the challenge and do better and better,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio in a statement.

New Rules

The rising graduation rates follow a set of changes New York State has made in recent years to help more students earn diplomas. These changes include permitting students with disabilities to earn a diploma by passing fewer exit exams, and allowing more students the right to appeal a failed exam score.

Additionally, students may substitute one of five Regents exams for a Career Development and Occupational Students (CDOS) credential, signifying work readiness. The CDOS is one of a number of alternative tests the state has made available over the past few years.