Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) continued to surpass the state four-year graduation rate for the Class of 2014, and the district saw significant improvement in the graduation rate for several racial and ethnic student groups, students who receive special education services, and those who receive free and reduced-price meals, according to data released by the Maryland State Department of Education.
AACPS’ four-year graduation rate – measured by the percentage of students who receive diplomas four years after entering high school, rose more than 2 percentage points, from 85.57 percent (Class of 2013) to 87.75 percent (Class of 2014). AACPS’ rate is more than 1.3 points higher than the state rate of 86.39 percent.
Eight of the county’s 13 high schools have graduation rates of 90 percent or higher, led by Arundel High School’s 95.31.
“While it is clear that we still have much work to do, these gains are a credit to dedicated educators whose passion for our students knows no limits; to students who push themselves to reach their goals; and to parents whose support is instrumental in the success of their children,” Superintendent George Arlotto said.
Five high schools saw increases of 3 or more percentage points, led by Northeast High School’s 8-point jump to 90.67 percent. Old Mill’s graduation rate increased 6.1 points, followed by Glen Burnie (4.5 points), Broadneck (4.3 points), and North County (3.2 points).
Among student groups, the biggest gains came in the percentage of students receiving special education services (7.1 points) and students identified as being of two or more races (4.6 points). The graduation rate for Hispanic students rose by nearly 3.2 points, and the rate for white students rose just over 2.4 points. The graduation rate rose 1.9 points for African-American students, 1.7 points for students who receive free and reduced-priced meals, and nearly 1 point for Asian students.
MSDE also calculates a five-year graduation rate for schools and school systems. AACPS’ five-year graduation rate for the Class of 2013 was 87.56 percent, slightly higher than the state rate of 87.48 percent.
More information on graduation rates can be found at www.mdreportcard.org.