New York City Graduation Rate Tops 70 Percent

The four-year graduation rate for the New York City public school system rose to 70.5 percent in the 2014-15 school year, a two-point gain from the year before, and the dropout rate fell slightly to 9 percent.

The Department of Education on Monday said the August graduation rates were up among Hispanic, Asian, black and white students, although the increases varied. Students with disabilities and English language learners also saw modest gains. 

“The increase in graduation and college and career readiness rates represents important progress, yet there is so much more to do to ensure equity and excellence in classrooms across all five boroughs,” said Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña. 

Hispanic students made the biggest gain, up 2.5 points, to reach a 64 percent graduation rate. Black students' rate was 65.4 percent, a 1.7 point gain. White students' rate rose 1.4 points to 82 percent. Asian students gained 2.4 points to reach an 85 percent graduation rate. 

Of the New York City students classified as English Language Learners, just 40.5 percent graduated by August of 2015.  Students with special needs saw a tiny uptick to reach a 41.1 percent graduation rate.

There was an overall increase on the state level as well. The New York State Education Department said the June, 2015 high school graduation rates rose to 78.1 percent, up 1.7 percentage points from the previous year. 

Despite the uptick, some groups lagged behind. Only about 50 percent of students with disabilities in New York State graduated within four years. And the achievement gap remained wide. On a state level, about 88 percent of white students graduated while 65 percent of Black and Hispanic students graduated by June.

State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia tied the data to a conversation the Board of Regents held on Monday regarding alternative ways to earn a high school diploma.

“The good news is that more students, particularly those in urban districts, are graduating from high school. But we know the graduation rate could be even higher if students were given the option to meet our standards in a different way. This is not about changing our standard. It’s about providing other avenues for kids to show what they know so they can graduate.”