SAN DIEGO – The State of California has released the official graduation rate data for the Class of 2016, and San Diego Unified ranked first among the top 5 largest districts – ahead of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Long Beach and Fresno. The state put the final graduation rate number for San Diego Unified at 91.2 percent – within a percentage point of the district’s own internal estimate or “on track” number released last spring.
“The students, parents and teachers of San Diego Unified should be immensely proud of this achievement. Not only did the Class of 2016 achieve the highest big-district graduation rate in the state, they did it while we raised the requirements to graduate,” said Superintendent Cindy Marten. “Our students have proven once again they will achieve more when we ask more from them.”
San Diego Unified has implemented a major reform initiative over the past decade, requiring schools to provide students with access to the A-G curriculum required for admission to the University of California and California State college systems. Last year – 2016 – was the first year San Diego Unified students were required to complete the A-G curriculum as a condition for graduation.
“This is a great day for the students, parents and professional educators in San Diego, and for all of us who believe in public education,” said Board President Richard Barrera. “The results our students achieved during the last graduation period are proof of what’s possible when we believe in our students and invest in public education.”
Education advocates also celebrated the San Diego Unified graduation rate, noting the district’s progress in closing the “achievement gap” between African American and Latino students, and the overall student population. The graduation rate for African Americans and Latino students in 2016 was 87.4 percent and 87.6 percent respectively.
“Across San Diego Unified, our students are achieving more and graduating at higher rates than ever,” Superintendent Marten said Our progress toward closing the achievement gap is proof that our parents and professional educators are creating a culture of excellence in every neighborhood school.
