Governor Ron DeSantis yesterday announced Florida’s high school graduation rate rose to 89.7 percent during the 2023-2024 school year, representing the highest rate in Florida history with the exception of pandemic school years. Santa Rosa County District Schools topped the state average, earning a 90.9% graduation rate in 2023-2024.
According to DeSantis, the graduation rate is a “prime metric” of success, measuring the percentage of students who graduate within four years of their first enrollment in ninth grade.
“This incredible achievement is a truly testament to the hard work of our students, the dedication of our educators and staff, and the unwavering support of our families and community,” said Dr. Karen Barber, Superintendent of Schools for Santa Rosa County. “We are committed to continuing our efforts in loving, educating, and preparing all students for graduation and a successful future.”
Santa Rosa’s rate increased from 90.4% in the 2022-2023 school year. During the 2018-2019 school year, prior to COVID-19, the graduation rate was 88.9%. During the “pandemic years” of 2019–20 and 2020–21, graduating classes were exempt from statewide, standardized assessment requirements.
“Santa Rosa County District Schools extends its gratitude to all teachers, staff, students, and stakeholders for their role in this accomplishment of not only increasing the graduation rate, but continuing to maintain a high level of expectations,” Barber stated.
Statewide the 2023-24 graduation rate rose to 89.7 percent, increasing 1.7 percentage points over last year and 2.4 percentage points from 2021-22.
“Florida’s graduation rate continues to climb,” said Florida Department of Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. “Florida is number one for education because of our commitment to providing a quality education that fits the needs of each student, and our climbing graduation rate is proof positive that our approach is working. Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, Florida will continue to lead the nation in educational success.”
Highlights from Florida’s 2023-2024 high school graduation rate include:
- African American students’ graduation rate rose 2.1 percentage points over last year, and 3.3 percentage points since 2021-22.
- Hispanic students’ graduation rate increased by 2.2 percentage points from last year and 3.1 percentage points over 2021-22.
- The graduation rate for students with disabilities rose 1.3 percentage points over last year and 3.3 percentage points from 2021-22.
- Economically disadvantaged students’ graduation rate rose 2.4 percentage points over last year and 3.1 percentage points from 2021-22.
- English Language learners’ graduation rate improved 4.6 percentage points over last year and 7.7 percentage points since 2021-22.
- Under Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida’s graduation rate has increased significantly, moving from 70.6% to the record high rate of 89.7 in 2023-2024.
For more information abut Florida’s 2023-24 graduation rate, visit https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/data-sys/edu-info-accountability-services/pk-12-public-school-data-pubs-reports/students.stml
