In 2017, New York City has seen the highest four-year high school graduation rate on record, with 74.3
percent of children achieving a diploma. In addition the city had the lowest dropout rate in 2017 on record with 7.8 percent.
“New York City is showing that when we invest in our students, they rise to the challenge and do better and better,” de Blasio said. “Our kids are graduating high school and going to college at record rates, while dropping out less than ever before. If we are going to make New York City the fairest big city in America, it starts with giving our kids the education they deserve, and we are executing this vision every day.”
Asians had the highest graduation and lowest dropout rates, 87.5 and 4 percent, respectively. White students were in second for graduation, 83.2 percent left on time, and had the second-lowest rate for dropouts, 4.4 percent. Hispanics achieved 68.3 percent graduation in 2017 and 70 percent of black students did the same. The dropout rate for Hispanic students was 10.7 percent and black students were at 7.9.
“Our graduation and dropout rates continue to improve steadily and show that we’re on the right track,” said Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña. “We need to keep improving, redoubling our commitment to our Equity and Excellence for All agenda to ensure that every child gets a high-quality education.”
The graduation rate at the city’s 28 ‘renewal schools’ was 65.7 percent, a 5.7 jump from 2016. The dropout rate was 16.4 percent, a 2.2 decrease from the previous year.
“Our students and teachers have done amazing work,” said Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers. “By giving our children the resources they need, we are putting them on the path to success.”
