HAGERSTOWN, MD News (3/27/2024) – Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) in Maryland has surpassed the state average in graduation rates, maintaining a commendable level of success despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent data released by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) indicates that WCPS has sustained its positive trend in graduating students within the standard four-year timeframe.
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For the 2023 cohort, comprising students who entered ninth grade during the 2019-2020 academic year, WCPS achieved a four-year cohort graduation rate of 90.8%. This figure stands in contrast to the statewide average of 85.8% for the same period. These statistics not only showcase the dedication of students but also highlight the supportive environment fostered by educators and other stakeholders within the WCPS community.
Dr. David Sovine, Superintendent of Schools for WCPS, expressed satisfaction with the results, noting that the high graduation rate reflects the collective efforts of students, teachers, and support staff. He emphasized the resilience displayed by students amid the disruptions caused by the pandemic, including the shift to virtual learning and subsequent return to in-person instruction.
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Despite these achievements, Dr. Sovine acknowledged that there is still progress to be made in ensuring that all students earn their high school diplomas. WCPS remains committed to ongoing improvements and initiatives aimed at further enhancing student outcomes.
In addition to the four-year cohort graduation rates, the MSDE also released data on the five-year cohort graduation rates for 2023. For WCPS, the five-year graduation rate stood at 91.8%, surpassing the state average of 88.2%. This indicates that even students who require additional time to complete their high school education are ultimately succeeding within the WCPS system.
The availability of comprehensive data on graduation rates and dropout rates enables stakeholders to assess the performance of individual schools, local education agencies, and the state as a whole. Interested parties can access this information through the Maryland Report Card website at MDReportcard.org, facilitating transparency and accountability within the education system.
Story by multiple RFHC contributors
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