PWCS On-Time Graduation Rate Reaches New High of 91%

From a release from Prince William County Schools 

A record number of Prince William County Public School students who entered high school in the fall of 2010 graduated on time in 2014. The new on-time graduation rate of 91 percent continues a steady climb from 83 percent just six years ago.

"This is truly cause for celebration," said PWCS Superintendent, Dr. Steve Walts, who noted that nearly 47 percent of all students earned advanced studies diplomas.

Seven of 11 PWCS high schools saw improved on-time rates in 2014, with Freedom High School leading the upward climb. Freedom's on-time rate soared by more than four points over 2013, to a new level of nearly 86 percent.

"Freedom's success is a tribute to what can be accomplished by hard work and dedication," added Walts. "Everyone at that school should be extremely proud."

New Directions School played a significant role in the Division-wide success story. The alternative school assists students who faced challenges that once created big obstacles to graduation. New Division programs put students back on the path to academic success, graduation, and even bigger achievements ahead.

The PWCS on-time graduation rate exceeds the Division's Strategic Plan target, and also surpasses the steadily climbing statewide record.

PWCS On-Time Graduation Stats:

• Graduation rates have increased from 83% in 2008 to 91% in 2014.
• 46.7% earned an advanced studies diploma in 2014, compared with 43.5% in 2013.

Details for Student Groups:

• Graduation rate for Black students increased from 88.9% in 2013 to 89.0%.
• Graduation rate for Hispanic students increased from 81.8% in 2013 to 84.3% in 2014.
• Graduation rate for economically disadvantaged students increased from 82.5% in 2013 to 85.3% in 2014.

Details for Schools:

• Seven of 11 PWCS high schools showed increases in on-time graduation rates.
• Seven of 11 PWCS high had graduation rates higher than the state average.
• For the first time, ALL high schools in PWCS met the graduation benchmark required for full accreditation (Graduation and Completion Index).

New Directions Contributes to PWCS Graduation Success Story

A record number of Prince William County Public School students who entered high school in the fall of 2010 graduated on time in 2014, and New Directions helped make it possible.

The new on-time graduation rate of 91 percent continues a steady climb from 83 percent just six years ago. Back then, students who faced challenges in their home schools often failed to graduate. New Directions changed that, offering new programs and opportunities to get students back on the path to success.

In 2014 X New Directions students were part of the graduating class in our PWCS high schools. We are proud to be a part of a growing success story for PWCS that suggests even greater achievements for our graduates in the years to come.