(The Center Square) – Tennessee’s graduation rate passed 90% and reached its highest level since 2012, according to the Tennessee Department of Education figures.
Tennessee’s graduation rate hit 90.6% for the 2022-23 school year, the first time it eclipsed the 90% mark in history. Nearly 900 more students graduated in 2023 compared to the year before. In total, 65,476 students graduated across the state.
“Tennessee’s continuous commitment to ensuring students are successful in graduating from high school on time is demonstrated in this year’s statewide graduation rate and is a direct result of the hard work of Tennessee directors of schools, administrators and educations have done with our families and students,” said Lizette Reynolds, commission of education. “Earning a diploma and graduating high school is a milestone that unlocks so many opportunities for students as they begin their lives after K-12 education, and I am thrilled to see Tennessee’s graduation rate at a record high.”
Five school districts – Alcoa City, Clay County, Fentress, Haywood and South Carroll Special Schools – posted 100% graduation rates.
Sixty-one districts graduated 95% or more of their eligible students, while 78 districts improved graduation rates from 2022 to 2023 — nine of those improved by 5 percentage points or more.
Also, 29 districts improved rates for economically disadvantaged students by 5 percentage points or more, and 37 improved rates for students with disabilities by 5 percentage points or more.
