Oakland County stays ahead of state trends in graduation rates

More than 88% of the Oakland County school districts had a graduation percentage of 2024 higher than the state average of 82.3%, according to new data released last week.

The Michigan Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI) reported a four -year graduation percentage of 82.8%and the highest level since the state has adopted a federal formula to calculate the rate in 2008.

While the graduation figures have risen, according to the CEPI report the failure of the State fell from 8.1% last year from 823 to 7.7%.

Only 18.5% of the district districts had failed higher than the state average.

Troy had both the highest graduation percentage, 97.3%, and the lowest failure, 0.36%.

“Flexibility has also been a key factor in our success. We acknowledge that the path from every student to graduation is unique and we have extensive options to meet students where they are, ”said Kendra Montante, Troy Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives. “Our alternative high school program has undergone significant changes, which leads to an increased graduation figure by offering students a more personalized, supporting approach to learning.”

“Everything we do is to support our students and to keep improving the graduation figures,” said Clarkston Chief Inspector Shawn Ryan. “The work to keep students involved and successful is always evolving. We must continue our efforts to have a strong, supporting culture and to keep our student voices first in our decisions. “

The three district districts with the lowest graduation figures were Hazel Park, 51.5%, Pontiac, 67%and Evening, 71.5%.

According to a statement from the Michigan Department of Education, the improved figures are attributed to research -based strategies, investigating data and making decisions about support and intervention to help students get back on the right track for graduation and personalized curriculum.

“If we look at our graduation figures, we credit increased access and opportunities to enrich and intervention at high school level,” said Farmington head inspector Kelly Coffin. “We continue to benefit from flexibility within the Michigan Merit curriculum, and offer time for students on the school day to get the support they need, benefit from double registration and online learning opportunities, as well as credit repair options during their high school career. “

In addition to Troy, Berkley, Birmingham, Clarkston, Lake Orion, Novi, Rochester and Walled Lake, all had a graduation prices of more than 95%.

“These rising graduation figures are not only figures for me – they represent thousands of young people who have worked hard to shape their future. As an educator, seeing more students throughout the state, this milestone fulfills me with hope for our communities, ”said Birmingham Groves director Othamian Peterson.

“As someone who sees students grow every day, this increase in the state tells that the future of Michigan is in good hands. Every graduate represents a promise filled, said Birmingham Seaholm director Mike Wicker.

“Our strong graduation figures reflect the work of our highly qualified, caring employees, who present an extensive curriculum and concentrate on the well -being and the success of every student,” said Rochester Superintendent Nicholas Russo. “Our teachers, managers and employees take the time to build positive relationships and to make that individual connection, so that students are inspired to reach their full potential.”

District schools have made progress when reducing their failure of students, which was 11.8% in the entire state in 2022.

Schools with a significant reduction in failure percentages:

Evening fell from 22% from 22% in 2022 to 6.2%
Ferndale fell from 19% in 2022 to 9.4%
Hazel Park fell from 39.1% to 21.9%
Madison fell from 19.2% to 12.7%
Oak Park fell from 20.4% to 13%
Pontiac fell from 38.5% to 16.6%

“As a mother of two graduates in high school, I know how many football matches, flashcards and ACT -PREP courses are going to get your child over the stage to receive their diploma. That is why I am so proud that Michigan’s graduation figure has reached a record high, “said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

The report also noted that in the school year 2023-24, 112,156 students participated in programs for career and technical education (CTE), the third year of increases in total more than 9,000 students, or 9%, since the 2020-21 school year .

During the past three years, students who completed technical school programs have also increased by 19%instead of just one course to 52,625, the highest level in the history of the state.

And the four -year graduation rates of Michigan rose for 14 of the 17 subgroups of students. The largest tariff increases were for the American Indian or Alaska, 3.4 %, multi -racial students, 3.5 %and English -speaking students, 3.4 %.

Graduation and dropout percentages can be found on the MI School Data website of CEPI (www.mischoldata.org) or by going to Grad/Dropout rate.

Originally published: February 24, 2025 at 10:56 am