High School Graduation

The high school graduation rate is a powerful indicator of the health of the school systems in the Hampton Roads region and of the future success of its young citizens.

Why is This Important?

The high school graduation rate is one measure of the success of the elementary and secondary educational system and the quality of the workforce. Completion of high school or its equivalent is increasingly the minimum level of education sought by employers; moreover, unemployment rates are lower and lifetime earnings are substantially higher for high school graduates than high school dropouts.

How is Hampton Roads Doing?

On-time High School Graduation Rate, By Region. See text for explanationThe Hampton Roads region's on-time graduation rate improved from 79.1 percent in 2007-2008 to 80.6 percent in 2008-2009. This rate remained below the statewide average of 83.2 percent and was second lowest among Virginia regions with all regions except the Eastern region (78.1 percent) being higher. 

What Influences High School Graduation?

Socio-economic factors do play a role in graduation and dropout rates. In a 2006 report, Civic Enterprises studied the trend of falling graduation rates and higher dropout rates. They cited lack of motivation, financial troubles, poor preparation, or lack of success as common reasons some students did not complete their studies. Family income can ensure a stable financial environment. Parents and educators can exert positive influence in preparing children for success in high school, as well as helping them cope with difficulties, both personal and academic. The parents' education level is strongly correlated with a student's own academic achievement.

On-time High School Graduation Rate, By Region. Read text for explanation.

Data Definitions and Sources

Data Source: Virginia Department of Education. The high school on-time graduation rate is calculated as the percentage of the cohort of students entering the freshman class four years earlier who graduated on time. The measure accounts for students who moved and who were held back or promoted.

A graduate may receive one of the following documents:

  • Standard Diploma
  • Advanced Diploma (count includes those students who receive the International Baccalaureate Diploma)
  • Special Diploma -- for students with a disability who complete the requirements of their individualized education programs (IEP)
  • Modified Standard Diploma
  • General Achievement Diploma (GAD)

Civic Enterprises, "The Silent Epidemic, Perspectives of High School Dropouts," March 2006. (PDF)

See the Data Sources and Updates Calendar for a detailed list of the data resources used for indicator measures on Hampton Roads Performs.

At a Glance: High School Graduation

Performance: Maintaining

Highlight: When compared to other regions of Virginia, the Hampton Roads region had the second lowest rate of on-time high school graduation for the 2008-2009 school year.

students graduating in cap and gown
Virginia School Report Card

The Virginia Department of Education produces online "report cards" for schools, school divisions, and the Commonwealth as a whole on student achievement, accountability ratings, attendance, program completion, school safety, teacher quality, and other topics.  Explore the Virginia School Report Card.

Regional Programs & Initiatives

New Horizons Regional Education Centers are nationally recognized as authorities on specialized educational programs and services. Serving the Peninsula's school divisions, New Horizons prepares students to become productive citizens, challenges and enriches the education of future scientists and mathematicians, and provides effective educational, vocational, and therapeutic day treatment for children and youth with disabilities.

An Achievable Dream is a unique partnership between Newport News Public Schools, the City of Newport News, and the local business and military communities to give our students who are at risk of failure in school due to socioeconomic factors a chance to succeed.

Newport News Aviation Academy, affiliated with Denbigh High School, is a specialized four-year program to prepare highly motivated and successful high school students for a rewarding and high-paying career in engineering technology with an emphasis on aviation and computers. The technology courses provide challenging subject material to enhance students' reading, writing, science and math skills.

Virginia SOL practice tests in the area of science, math and technology appear on the Jefferson Lab website.

Virginia Pathways, produced in association with the Virginia History Production Consortium, is a guide to fourth grade history SOLs.

The Commonwealth College Course Collaborative (CCCC) is a common set of subjects that allows Virginia students the chance to earn a semester's worth of college credit while in high school.