High School Graduation Rate Reaches All-Time High of 85.5 Percent

by Kathleen Wynne, news.ontario.ca

 

Ontario high school graduation rate has increased to 85.5 per cent -- the highest level in the

province history, with more students than ever graduating with the skills and knowledge they

need to reach their full potential.

Premier Kathleen Wynne announced this milestone at York Mills Collegiate Institute in Toronto

today with Liz Sandals, Minister of Education. In 2015, the five-year graduation rate surpassed

the government goal of 85 per cent for the first time. The 2015 rate has increased more than

17 percentage points since 2004, when the graduation rate was just 68 per cent.

For the second year in a row, Ontario is publishing school board level graduation rates from

across the province. This gives parents, students, teachers and school boards access to data

that can help inform efforts to improve student achievement.

The government has introduced a number of innovative programs through its Student Success

Strategy that are credited with helping to sharply boost the graduation rate since 2004. These

include Specialist High Skills Majors, dual credits and expanded cooperative education.

Helping more students succeed is part of the government economic plan to build Ontario up

and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan

includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of

the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is

making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario history and investing in a

low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is

also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.