CLAY COUNTY – Graduation rates from the 2018-2019 school year were the highest in the district’s history. Graduation rates have been on the rise for years. Last year’s class, however, set a new standard at 91.9%. That’s .8% higher than last year’s rate of 91.1% and 17.7% higher than the graduation rate of 10 years ago.

“Once again, the graduation rates released by the Florida Department of Education illustrates that Clay County District Schools is preparing all learners for post-secondary opportunities,” Superintendent Addison Davis said.

The 2018-19 school year graduation rates were released last week, and it showcased a continued upward trend. The school district has improved its rate by 7.2% points in the last three years. And with the new rate, Clay County now among the top 10 for the highest in Florida in eighth place.

The release detailing the rates also show that eight of the nine targeted subgroups of learners reached a record high in Clay County. Davis said this demonstrates that the district is focused on improving the academic well-being of very student.

“We have continued to create a culture that establishes high expectations and allows learner to thrive within our organization,” Davis said.

The nine subgroups are white, Hispanic, black, two/three races, Asian, at-risk students, students with disabilities, English-language learners and economically disadvantaged. The Asian subgroup was the only group that didn’t post an increase. It dropped from 98.6% to 97.6%. The English-language subgroup made the largest increase with a jump from 77.5% to 87%, while the Hispanic subgroup, jumping from 91% to 96.1%, making the second-largest increase.

Post-Secondary Readiness rates rose as well. District schools posted 82% points – a 21% increase during the last three years in Reading PSR rates. Mathematics PSR rates were at 64%, 19% increase over the last three years.

“This data is powerful and highlights the culture established in Clay County District Schools as we seek to prepare students to become college and career ready,” Davis said.

The district’s graduation rate has remained above the state average since the 2011-2012 school year. Davis attributes the trend and increase in graduation rate to the hard work of everyone in the school district.

“I am extremely proud of the hard work of our school-based leaders, teachers, college and career coaches, school counselors and support staff for dedicating their efforts to ensure that our graduates reached this milestone,” Davis said. “This is a remarkable accomplishment for our community, and I am proud of all stakeholders who have positively impacted children’s lives by preparing them to compete inside and outside of our classrooms.”