The Tennessee high school graduation rate has never been higher and Warren County is doing its part to contribute to the upward trend.
The state announced Thursday the graduation rate for the 2016-17 school year was 89.1 percent, the highest on record for Tennessee. Statewide graduation is up 3.6 percent in six years.
Locally, Warren County’s graduation rate has climbed to 94.1 percent. That’s up from 87.5 percent five years ago, a 6.6 percent increase.
Director of Schools Bobby Cox credits the work of educators at WCHS and at the High School Annex with helping to improve the graduation rate.
“Sometimes it’s just a matter of getting students to complete a couple courses to graduate,” said Cox. “The High School Annex has made a big difference with the flexibility of scheduling and with the online program that allows students to work at their own pace. I also think the Tennessee Promise program provides a big incentive. Knowing you can get two years of community college for free, or two years at a technology school for free, has really opened a lot of doors.”
According to the state, 13 school districts improved graduation rates by 5 percentage points or more. The district with the most significant gains was Lake County, up 23.1 percent.
The state also reports that 43 districts, about one-quarter, have graduation rates at or above 95 percent. That’s up from 36 districts last year.
“Teachers and educators in Tennessee have worked tirelessly to support students and these record graduation rates show their hard work is making a difference,” said Gov. Bill Haslam. “As more students graduate from high school, we are committed to helping them go to college, succeed and become skilled members of Tennessee’s workforce. The graduation rate is reflective of the many gains we are making in education in our state.”