ST. GEORGE — The latest report from the Utah State Board of Education shows that graduation rates statewide continue to climb, where most Washington Counties’ school’s graduation rates declined in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to the USBE: Superintendent’s Annual Report.
Utah as a whole held a graduation rate of 88.3% in 2023, and while the local average is 92.54%, that is an overall decrease from the previous year and results are trending downward from the year before that.
- Crimson Cliffs High’s graduation rate decreased from 97.21% in 2022 to 95.36% in 2023.
- Enterprise High decreased from 91.67% to 91.03%.
- Hurricane High decreased from 95.64% to 94.61%.
- Pineview High saw the second-largest decrease from 91.94% to 87.97%, while Utah Online 7-12 decreased the most, from 95.31% to 90.88%.
- Snow Canyon High decreased from 95.56% to 93.95%
- Four out of the 10 listed schools saw an increase in graduation rates.
- Desert Hills High’s graduation rate increased from 94.56% in 2022 to 94.65% in 2023.
- Dixie High increased from 88.74% to 93.72%.
- Millcreek saw the second-largest increase from the previous year, increasing from 92.11% to 95.06%, while Water Canyon High went from 66.67% to 78.95%.
While it was overall a down year for graduation rates in Washington County, nearly nine out of every 10 students received a diploma across the county.
What is particularly noteworthy is the improvement across various student groups. Six out of the nine reported groups have experienced an uptick in their graduation rates from 2022.
The latest data reveals that the white student group has achieved the highest graduation rate in 2023, with an impressive 90.67% of students meeting graduation requirements. Next is the growth observed in the Pacific Islander student group, which saw a rise from 80.05% to 82.31% from 2022 to 2023, marking them as the most improved group.
The African American and Black student group demonstrated progress over the past few years, experiencing a 7% increase in graduation rates since 2017.
This positive trend underscores the commitment of educators and the educational system to address disparities and ensure equitable opportunities for all students.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sydnee Dickson expressed pride in the positive shift in Utah’s educational landscape.
“I am proud to see a positive shift in our educational landscape, as more students are deciding to stay in school and view graduation as a gateway to future opportunities,” said Dickson in a press release. “This progress is a testament to our educators’ dedication to creating a supportive learning environment that empowers Utah’s students to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.”
The full chart for Washington County Schools’ graduation rates is available below.
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