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WCPS Graduation Rate Over 91%

Posted January 24, 2017

HAGERSTOWN, MD (January 24, 2017) – In new Maryland State Department of Education data released today, Washington County Public Schools’ (WCPS) four-year cohort graduation rate stood at 91.06 percent in 2016. It represents a one tenth of one percent decrease from the previous year, but is well above another record-setting year statewide. The statewide rate was 87.61 percent in 2016, up from 86.98 percent. The cohort graduation rate represents a group of students from freshman year through their senior year. The statewide dropout rate fell below eight percent for the first time, at 7.97 percent. The dropout rate recorded in Washington County Public Schools in 2016 was 6.7 percent, an increase of one percentage point. In the past seven years, the county rate has fluctuated between 5.6 and 7.4 percent.

Inside the numbers statewide, continued improvement is noted in the graduation rates for African American, American Indian, Asian and white students, along with special education students and students receiving free or reduced price meals.

Dr. Peggy Pugh, associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction for WCPS, said the task of studying the data is an ongoing process. “The data provides indicators that enable us to critically assess our effort in areas such as graduation success and dropout prevention, and to continue identifying and implementing strategies to engage and support students. No matter how positive the numbers, we will always look for areas of improvement so that we are providing the best programs, instruction and learning environment that point our students to successful options in their college and career choices.”