On Friday morning, new data was unveiled, showcasing the Class of 2023’s graduation and dropout metrics. The reported high school graduation rate across the state reached 81.77% in 2023, marking an upward trend for the second consecutive year—a hopeful indicator of students bouncing back from the educational disruptions caused by the pandemic. The previous year’s figure stood at 81.01%.
A slight decrease was observed in the dropout rate, which fell to 8.13% from 8.19% in 2022.
The four-year graduation rate accounts for students who embarked on their high school journey in 2019 and concluded it with graduation in 2023.
Additionally, the state extends its analysis to five- and six-year graduation rates to accommodate students engaged in early middle college programs, where they secure both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree or another advanced certification. These extended rates also consider students in traditional programs who may require additional time to graduate. The term ‘dropout’ refers to students who exit the school system permanently at any point during their high school years.
A state-issued press release highlighted an across-the-board increase in graduation rates across 17 distinct categories, including improvements among Black and Hispanic students, students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, homeless youth, and those in foster care. State Superintendent Michael Rice remarked, “The rising rates are a welcome sign that student achievement is rebounding and a tribute to the hard work of Michigan students, educators, support staff, and communities.”
Despite these gains, significant disparities persist. The graduation rate for white students was 85%, and for Asian-American students, it was 93.5%. Conversely, Black students had a graduation rate of 71.3%, and Hispanic students, 76.8%.
Particularly low graduation rates were noted among the state’s most vulnerable student populations: 59.6% for students with disabilities, 44% for students in foster care, and 58.3% for homeless students.
Superintendent Rice acknowledged the need for continued efforts to bridge these gaps.
Other districts have also reported progress. For instance, Ypsilanti Community Schools saw an increase in their four-year rate to 78.33% in 2023 from 73.79% in 2022, with the rate at 68.53% in 2019.
The district attributes part of its success to the advancements within its alternative high schools, catering to students who were previously lagging in course credits. The district’s summer camp, which includes college tours, community resource connections, and project-based learning, has been beneficial.
A glance at other Michigan districts reveals varied trends:
- Detroit Public Schools Community District recorded a four-year graduation rate of 74.26% in 2023, up from 71.06% in 2022, with a rate of 75.84% in 2019.
- Ann Arbor Public Schools reported a slight increase in their four-year rate to 90.57% in 2023 from 89.23% in 2022 and 89.46% in 2019.
- Grand Rapids Public Schools experienced an increase to 82.39% in 2023 from 80.53% in 2022 and 76.2% in 2019.
- Traverse City Area Public Schools saw a decrease in their four-year graduation rate to 84.04% in 2023 from 86.47% in 2022 and 84.97% in 2019, with a rate of 90.51% in 2020.