2011 rates the highest ever
Indiana’s graduation rate improved to 85.7 percent in the 2010-2011 school year, increasing 1.6 percent over last year and 4.3 percent over the 2009 rate. This is the highest graduation rate Hoosier students have achieved since the state began measuring the four-year cohort graduation rate in 2005. A record-high 171 public schools reached 90 percent or more of their students graduating in four years—a principal goal Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett set for all Indiana students in 2009.
“I commend Indiana’s educators, students, parents and community members for their efforts to increase graduation rates,” Bennett said. “In today’s world, graduating from high school with a meaningful diploma is critical to achieving any measure of success in life. To see so many more high school students reach this essential milestone is inspiring, and I am thankful for the hard-working teachers and leaders in our schools who helped them get there.”
Approximately 45 percent of public high schools met or exceeded the 90-percent graduation mark, and 83 percent of public high schools graduated 80 percent or more of their seniors. In addition, 55 percent of schools improved their graduation rates over last school year, with 25 percent of schools improving their rate by five or more percentage points.
“I am incredibly proud and encouraged by the gains being made in schools across the state,” Bennett said. “Our teachers and principals continue to push for excellence, and our students are benefiting.”
In total, 80 percent of graduates received a Core40 or Honors diploma in 2011, the most in Indiana’s history. More than 200 schools (58 percent) increased the number of students receiving an Honors diploma over last year. Non-waiver graduation rates also improved statewide, increasing from 78.1 percent in 2010 to 78.9 percent in 2011.
Of the 14.3 percent of students who did not earn diplomas, 6.1 percent were reported as high school dropouts/undetermined—0.3 percent fewer dropouts than were reported in the 2010 school year. Other non-graduates include students who earned General Education Development (GED) diplomas (0.4 percent), special education certificates (1.2 percent), non-diploma course completion certificates (0.2 percent) and those still enrolled in school (6.3 percent).
2011 State Graduation Rate Breakdown
- 85.7 percent of students graduated within four years
- 6.1 percent of students are reported dropouts or undetermined, which means they either moved out of state, dropped out or left school without formally withdrawing
- 6.3 percent of students are still in school
- 0.4 percent of students earned a General Education Development (GED) diploma
- 1.2 percent of students earned a Special Education Certificate
- 0.2 percent of students earned a non-diploma Course Completion Certificate
2011 Public High School Graduation Rate Breakdown
- 90-100 percent graduation rate – 171 schools (45 percent)
- 80-89.9 percent graduation rate – 142 schools (38 percent)
- 70-79.9 percent graduation rate – 39 schools (10 percent)
- 60-69.9 percent graduation rate – 11 schools (3 percent)
- Less than 60 percent graduation rate – 14 schools (4 percent)
More information on Indiana's graduation rate is available at www.doe.in.gov/improvement/accountability/graduation-cohort-rate.