Escambia Graduation Rate Increases; West Florida, Northview, Tate On Top

February 4, 2018

West Florida, Northview and Tate high schools led the pack as the graduation rate in Escambia County increased last year.

“State-wide graduation rates were released last week and everyone in Escambia County should be proud of the fact that our 2016-2017 high school graduation rate increased again this year, to reach a new high of 79.5 percent,” said Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said of the ninth annual increase. “This graduation rate represents students who have graduated in four years. This means better opportunities for our students and our community.”

“In 2008 we were at 55% for our overall graduation rate and only 44% for our graduate rate for African American students,” Thomas said. “This year we are at 79.5% for our total graduation rate and 70.9% for our African American students.”

The 2016-2017 high school graduation rate for each school in Escambia County was as follows:

  1. West Florida High School 99.0%
  2. Tate High School 84.7%
  3. Northview High School 83.9%
  4. Pensacola High School 80.9%
  5. BT Washington High School 79.2%
  6. Escambia High School 77.4%
  7. Pine Forest High School 76.3%

“A student doesn’t become a high school graduate overnight, or even over the course of their senior year. We begin working toward graduation as soon as they arrive in kindergarten,” Thomas said.

Comments

4 Responses to “Escambia Graduation Rate Increases; West Florida, Northview, Tate On Top”

  1. (Former) Jag Mom on February 5th, 2018 11:46 am

    Way to go WFHS Jaguars! My daughter is alumni (now in college) and it was the best decision we could have made to allow her to attend.

  2. Nod on February 4th, 2018 8:02 pm

    I hope that these grad rates are real and not because standards were lowered. Kids need to be educated, so let us shoot for a 100% grad rate. Go teachers.

  3. Sage2 on February 4th, 2018 10:08 am

    Good news for increasing the graduation rate for all. Yet, the question begs if a school, West Florida can pick or screen those attending from the various feeder schools, why wouldn’t they be at 99%?

    Other than the Pensacola High School IB Program, there are no set standards to enroll in any other high school in this district.

    Just as building any product, if you have top quality materials to work with, chances are the finished product will be superior. This is the case with West Florida High School. Involved parents, community support competent and dedicated employees and student spirit make for a good educational setting. Sitting next door to West Florida is Pine Forest High School that was at a point in time at the top of the high schools in this area.

    What happened?

  4. Great! on February 4th, 2018 8:00 am

    It’s great to see the graduation rate increase significantly in 10 years. Hoping to see an even greater increase over the next several years.

    Educators, please keep up the great work!

    Parents, please continue encouraging your young people to pursue their dreams… and keep up the great work!

    Students, don’t give up… even if you think you cannot, you can. You are doing great!