MCSD graduation rate continues to increase

(WTVM) - The Muscogee County School District continues to improve its graduation rate as seen with its 4 year cohort rate reaching 76.6 percent, which surpasses the state average of 72.5 percent by 4.1 percentage points.

The district's average increased by 3.8 percentage points over the average for last year. Of the nine high schools and programs, 5 schools saw increases of 5 percentage points or more with one, Spencer High School, seeing an 11.4 percentage point gain. Five schools surpassed the state average of 72.5.

"We recognize the graduation rate is one of the most important data indicators for any school system and its community," said Superintendent David Lewis.  "We are very pleased with this continued progress, but we also realize there is additional work necessary to reach our goal of becoming the premier district in the State of Georgia. I am proud our school district graduation rate has continued to outpace the state rate for the past two years. This is attributed to the dedication and hard work of our students, parents, school personnel and our supportive community."

District to State 4 Year Cohort Graduation Rate    
Graduation Rate    2013    2014
Muscogee County    72.8            76.6
State                            71.8            72.5

Among a comparison group of school districts with similar student poverty and population levels, the Muscogee County School District shares second place with Newton County and is .7 percentage points from leading the group. The district's Black Student Subgroup saw an increase of 4 percentage points and is 6.6 percentage points above the state average of 65.2 percent. The Hispanic Student Subgroup district average increased 2.2 percentage points and is 10.3 percentage points above the state average of 64.0 percent.

"We are excited about the continued improvement we have seen in our graduation rate and will continue to support our schools as they strive to meet full-option graduation expectations," said Chief Academic Officer Veronica Collins.

Individual School 4 Year Cohort
Graduation Rate    
School                                                   2012-2013    2013-2014
Carver HS                                                      61.3    58.6
Columbus HS                                                      96.4    97.7
Early College Academy of Columbus              91.7    97.3
Hardaway HS                                                      76.3    84.8
Jordan Vocational HS                                      56.1    63.1
Kendrick HS                                                      60.7    69.4
Northside HS                                                      88.0    89.1
Shaw HS                                                              71.3    76.0
Spencer HS                                                      54.6    66.0
Muscogee County                                             72.8    76.6
State                                                                     71.8    72.5

The Cohort Rate is calculated using the data of students who have been in high school for four years, which allow states to uniformly compare graduation rate across the nation.  The cohort rate calculation is a requirement by U.S. Department of Education and is one of the indicators used in the calculation of the College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI).

The 4 year cohort rate does not capture the total number of students who complete high school with a diploma from Muscogee County School District, only those who meet the requirements for a high school diploma within four years.

For more information, e-mail communications@muscogee.k12.ga.us or call 706-748-2034.

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