FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA – According to data released Thursday by the Virginia Department of Education, graduation rates for the class at Fairfax County Public Schools increased from 2021.
The punctual graduation rate for the 2021 class was 94.6 percent, compared to 93 percent in 2020. This puts the FCPS above the nationwide quota of 93 percent who graduated on time. The FCPS dropout rate was 4.7 percent, compared to the national average of 4.3 percent.
The state’s continued flexibility in graduation rates takes into account the high rates for the 2021 class. The State Department of Education’s emergency guidelines provide additional options for students to review credits for successful academic performance. The state school board has also granted exemptions for certain grading-dependent qualification requirements.
According to the Virginia Department of Education, school support structures were other factors that contributed to graduation and dropout rates.
“The 2021 class faced incredible challenges during their senior year, from the start of the year with virtual classes to missed times with friends and family. Still, they persevered and reached a new level of success,” said FCPS Superintendent Scott Brabrand. “These results also reflect the dedication of our teachers, principals and assistants to ensure equitable access to resources so that all of our students can achieve the ultimate goal of graduation.”
Three groups that have historically had the largest gaps in FCPS graduation rates showed improvements. Hispanic, disadvantaged, and English-speaking students had higher punctual graduation rates and lower dropout rates than last year.
Here are the on-time graduation rates for different student groups:
- All students: 94.6 percent versus 93 percent
- Asia: 98.8 percent, versus 98.3 percent
- Black: 96 percent, versus 95.9 percent
- Hispanic Americans: 83.7 percent, down from 79.2 percent
- White: 98.6 percent, as in the previous year
- Two or more races: 98.2 percent versus 97.6 percent
- Students with disabilities: 94.8 percent, as in the previous year
- Economically disadvantaged students: 93.1 percent versus 89.9 percent
- English learners: 76.6 percent, versus 72.5 percent
Here are the dropout rates for different student groups:
- All students: 4.7 percent versus 6.2 percent
- Asia: 0.8 percent versus 1.2 percent
- Black: 2.7 percent, versus 2.8 percent
- Hispanic Americans: 15.2 percent versus 19.7 percent
- White: 0.9 percent, as in the previous year
- Two or more races: 1.2 percent, versus 1.9 percent
- Students with disabilities: 4.4 percent versus 4.7 percent
- Economically disadvantaged students: 5.8 percent versus 8.7 percent
- English learners: 22.6 percent, versus 26.7 percent
The proportion of FCPS students with a technical college entrance qualification rose to 68.5 percent in 2021, compared to 66.6 percent in 2019. Students with a technical college degree fell from 2.2 percent in 2019 to 1.2 percent in 2021.
Contact the Virginia Department of Education for more information on graduation rates.