Florida has experienced one of the most substantial increases in high school graduation rates in the United States between 2011 and 2022, according to a report from the GRAD Partnership.The state's graduation rate, which stood at 70.6% in the 2010-11 academic year, surged to 87.3% by 2021-22. This remarkable growth highlights significant improvements in the state's educational system over the past decade.
However, the 2021-22 figure saw a slight dip from the previous year's 90.1%, a decline attributed to the state's reinstatement of testing requirements that had been suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this adjustment, Florida's graduation rate continued to show resilience and progress.
In the 2022-23 academic year, the statewide graduation rate rose to 88%, marking a 0.7 percentage point increase from the previous year and surpassing pre-pandemic levels, according to the Florida Department of Education. This upward trend underscores the state's commitment to enhancing educational outcomes and supporting student success.
While Florida's graduation rates have shown impressive gains, they still lag behind those of some other states, such as West Virginia and Wisconsin. It is important to note that graduation rates are just one measure of educational success and may not fully account for the differing standards or policies that exist between states.
Given this, a new study tracking high school grades over the past decade—finding a dramatic bout of grade inflation, even as the National Assessment of Educational Progress showed steady declines in academic performance.
Overall, Florida's progress in high school graduation rates is a testament to the efforts of educators, policymakers, and communities working together to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for students across the state.