North Clackamas School District Sets Record Graduation Rate In 2021

Press release from the North Clackamas School District:

January 20, 2022

Milwaukie, OR (January 24, 2022)—For the third time in the past four years, the North Clackamas School District (NCSD) set a new record for graduation rate, as 88.2 percent of the class of 2021 earned a diploma in four years. The previous high of 87.2 percent was set in 2019.

The new rate represents a 1.2 percent increase from a year ago (87.0) and a 22.3 percent increase since 2011. NCSD’s 5-year graduation rate also rose slightly from a year ago, climbing from 87.3 to 88.1 percent. The district outpaced the state average (80.6) for the 10th consecutive year, exceeding it by 7.6 percent in 2020-21.

The steady improvement reflects the district’s commitment to educating the whole child, fostering an inclusive learning environment, and providing a wide range of career-technical education opportunities.

“We are proud of the consistent progress the district has made with the overall graduation rate, but the class of 2021 deserves special recognition for reaching this achievement amid a global pandemic,” NCSD superintendent Dr. Shay James said. “The challenges they faced toward the end of their journey were hardly imaginable just a few years ago, but they rose to the occasion. This is the result of the hard work of students and the dedication of staff.”

Several student groups also made significant strides in their graduation rate in 2020-21, including students with disabilities at 78 percent (up 6.4 percent), homeless students at 71.4 (up 8.4 percent), English Language Learners at any time in high school at 86.2 (up 12.9).

NCSD thanks the staff, parents/guardians, students, and community organizations for making these achievements possible.

For full statistics, visit the Oregon Department of Education website.

This press release was produced by the North Clackamas School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.