High school graduation rate reaches all-time high of 85.5%

High school graduation rates in Ontario have risen to the highest levels in the province’s history.

Figures published today show that 78.3% of students graduate in four years and 85.5% graduate in five.

The Ministry of Education is comparing the new numbers to 2004 rates, when 56% of students graduated in four years and 68% graduated in five years. This is the the year that Ontario introduced a four-year high school curriculum instead of five, and Premier Kathleen Wynne says it would be a huge mistake not to let students take a fifth year because more of them can get their diploma in that time.

The government credits programs such as specialist high skills majors, dual credits and expanded co-operative education for helping to increase the graduation rates.

Catholic schools have consistently higher numbers, but Education Minister Liz Sandals did not offer any possible reasons for that.

The graduation rates over four and five years are as follows for the school boards:

Halton CDSB: 88.1% & 92.4%
Halton DSB: 82% & 89.9%
HWCDSB: 79.4% & 85.4%
HWDSB: 70% & 78.2%
Niagara CDSB: 91.3% & 93.5%
District School Board of Niagara: 77.4% & 85.1%