Dropout rate in NHC Schools is at lowest since 2001-2002 school year | Education

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) - More kids are staying in school and making it to graduation.

The dropout rate among New Hanover County schools students is the lowest it’s been since the 2001-2002 school year, coming it at 2.26 percent, according to a school system spokesperson.

Last year’s dropout rate was 3.83 percent.

Additionally, the graduation rate for New Hanover County schools is 80.4 percent, which is the highest rate since four-year cohort graduation rates were measured in the 2005-2006 school year. Last year, the graduation rate was 73.9 percent.

The information is based off of data from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s Annual Report on Dropout Events and Rate.

“The improvement in the district’s dropout rate is a direct result of the hard work and unified focus of all of our staffs to help students achieve success,” said Superintendent Dr. Tim Markley in a statement. “All of our subgroups have demonstrated improvement and NHCS continues to trend upward in these critical areas. We will continue the positive momentum. In addition, the district will continue to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the support systems designed to prevent students from dropping out.”

“My vision is to provide sound alternatives and options for students - such as virtual schools, expansion of the focus schools - the early colleges and Performance Learning Center, increase business and community partnerships, and retain the graduation coaches - so there are viable options and support for all students despite their individual circumstances. With that vision in place, it becomes possible for NHCS to have even fewer drop outs in the future. We are creating a model for success.”

School system officials attribute the dropout prevention rate to a new curriculum aimed to help students in the In-School Suspension program, non-traditional early high school options, flexible options for students with extenuating life circumstances and graduation coaches helping students at risk of dropping out.

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