News Summary
Grand Rapids celebrates record-breaking high school graduation rates in 2024, with top schools achieving 100% and overall rates improving post-pandemic. Spring Lake High and Grand Rapids Montessori led the way, while most schools in Kent and Ottawa counties reported higher graduation rates. However, concerns remain for students with disabilities. Educational improvements are underway to support all students.
Exciting News from Grand Rapids: Graduation Rates Soar to New Heights in 2024!
Hey there, Grand Rapids! We have some fantastic news to share about our local schools. This year, the graduation rates for high schools in the Grand Rapids area have reached record levels, with a whopping 98% or higher graduation rate at the top 10 schools! It’s a thrilling time for students, teachers, and families alike.
A Perfect 100%!
Leading the pack are the incredible Spring Lake High School and Grand Rapids Montessori Middle/High School, both achieving a perfect graduation rate of 100%. Spring Lake High sent 198 students off to their next adventures, while the Montessori school celebrated the graduation of 29 students. Way to go, future leaders!
Overall Trends on the Rise
But it’s not just those two schools shining bright. Overall, Michigan’s high school graduation rates are climbing back up following the pandemic-related declines we saw in previous years. How great is that? In Kent and Ottawa counties, over 54% of high schools reported graduation rates of 90% or higher, and Spring Lake Public Schools boasted the highest graduation rate for any public school district, at an impressive 99.53%.
Almost Everyone is Winning!
The data indicates that nearly all public school districts across Kent and Ottawa counties saw boosts in their graduation rates compared to last year. Across the state, the average four-year graduation rate jumped to 82.83% in 2024, up from 81.77% in 2023. This is a clear sign that our schools are working hard and making strides towards better outcomes for our kids.
Top Schools in the Spotlight
Some key players in the Grand Rapids area include:
- Comstock Park High School: 99% (92 students)
- Allendale High School: 99% (184 students)
- Rockford High School: 98% (592 students)
It’s encouraging to see so many schools putting in the effort to graduate their students, even though some charter and alternative schools are experiencing challenges. For example, NexTech High School reported a 38% graduation rate, down from 56% last year, and PrepNet Virtual Academy saw its rate drop to 46%.
Striving for All Students
It’s essential to note that students with disabilities graduated at a significantly lower rate of 59.6%, signaling a need for further support and resources for these students. While Grand Rapids Public Schools reported a slight increase in graduation rates to 82.53%, they are also faced with a 10.37% dropout rate. Still, they celebrated their largest graduating class in a decade, indicating that improvements in student support are taking effect.
Looking Forward
The number of graduates from Grand Rapids Public Schools increased from 683 in 2023 to 756 in 2024. This is a step in the right direction! Other schools around Michigan are also reporting significant increases, such as Holland Public Schools, which saw their graduation rate rise nearly 10% to 81.64%.
Moving forward, school districts are planning to close underperforming schools while enhancing educational quality. This dedication is crucial to ensuring that more students can make that important walk across the graduation stage.
In conclusion, the future looks bright for Grand Rapids students! With such a strong emphasis on improved education, we can’t wait to see even better results next year. Here’s to continued success!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Graduation Rates Soar in Kent and Ottawa Counties for 2024
Grand Rapids Celebrates David Faber’s Achievements in Education
Graduation Rates Soar in Kent and Ottawa Counties
Kent County Faces Educational Challenges with Low-Performing Schools
Grand Rapids Public Schools Reports Significant Progress
Additional Resources
- MLive: Top 10 & Bottom 10 Graduation Rates in Grand Rapids Area
- WOOD TV: GRPS Sees Highest Graduation Rate
- Bridge Michigan: Graduation Rate Rises in Michigan
- Google Search: High School Graduation Rates in Michigan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Graduation
