Graduation rate data for the Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Class of 2023 was released this week by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). The data indicates that more than 90% of CCPS students in the Class of 2023 graduated on time with their peers, or within their four-year graduation cohort. The four-year graduation cohort rate tracks student progress from their freshman year through their senior year. CCPS remains above the state’s average graduation rate of 85.8%.

 

The four-year cohort graduation rate dropped slightly from 92.6% in 2022 to 90.2% for 2023. All CCPS high schools graduated students at a rate of at least 86% or more. Graduation rates for the Class of 2023 by school are below.

 

· Henry E. Lackey High School: 86.61%.

· La Plata High School: 89.67%.

· Maurice J. McDonough High School: 90.63%.

· North Point High School: 97.50%.

· St. Charles High School: 89.62%.

· Thomas Stone High School: 86.64%.

· Westlake High School: 87.09%.

The percentage of students in the Class of 2023 dropping out of school increased from 3.89% in 2022 to 5.80%. The state’s reported average dropout rate for the Class of 2023 was 9.83%, according to the MSDE.

 

With the Class of 2023, specific subgroups of students increased graduation rates among their peers. The graduation rate for Hispanic/Latino students increased nearly 6% in 2023, from 78.95% in 2022 to 84.49% with the Class of 2023. Additionally, the graduation rate for English Learners rose more than 10% from 2022 to 2023. The graduation rate for students identified as English Learners rose from 62.12% in 2022 to 73.33% in 2023.

 

Superintendent of Schools Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., said the CCPS graduation data still reflects learning losses tied to the pandemic. The school system continues its focused work since 2021 to expand opportunities for students to get ahead including on-demand tutoring, additional grade recovery and course recovery programs during the school year and summer along with additional offerings for original credit that start in middle school and are offered to all high school students.

 

“The school system continues to advance its work to ensure all students graduate on time with their peers – no matter their background or path to graduation. The dropout data is concerning and as a result we have expanded multiple programs and opportunities for students to gain lost ground while in school to help them graduate on time. Some of this work is embedded into our implementation of the college and career readiness areas of the Blueprint. We will continue to focus investments that ensure every student graduates from CCPS prepared for a college, career or life pathway,” Navarro said.

 

Cohort monitoring by MSDE, CCPS

A cohort graduation rate follows a student from the start of their freshman year up until they graduate from high school. Graduation rate data provided by MSDE for the CCPS Class of 2023 includes summer school graduates. These calculations follow students from the time they first enter Grade 9 and includes those who graduate after four years.

 

How CCPS supports high school students toward graduation

CCPS uses its student information system, Synergy, to track individual student progress toward graduation. Beginning with Grade 9, data reports for students are calculated that indicate a student’s progress toward graduation. These reports are shared in ParentVue and StudentVue, with an additional report provided at the end of the school year once final grades are complete. This tracking system is part of the school system’s implementation of college and career readiness requirements within the Blueprint. This system has been in place in CCPS since 2021.

 

CCPS offers students with alternate options to earn high school graduation credits. Every school has a Grade Recovery Program in which students can make up a course grade prior to the end of the school year. Teachers identify students for Grade Recovery and provide targeted messaging to students and parents to encourage them to have their child participate. This is offered to any student who may be in danger of failing a required graduation course.

CCPS also offers original course and make-up credit courses during summer school. Prior to the pandemic, students were required to pay for summer school courses. CCPS has offered free summer school classes – both original and make-up courses – free of charge for students and families. The school system has also made it easier for students to get to summer school by providing bus transportation annually.

 

Students who are interested in accelerating their path to graduation can sign up for the Early College or dual enrollment programs in which they can earn college credit while in high school. Non-traditional learners – those who prefer a virtual environment – can complete high school graduation requirements through the CCPS Virtual Academy. For the coming school year, more than 400 students were accepted to the 2024 Virtual Academy program.

“All students need different options to put them on the right path toward success after high school. Whether that is completing college course work while in high school, or learning a trade in a CTE program, CCPS students have access to greater options than their peers before them. Each student has a personalized graduation plan in which staff can embed interventions and supports as needed. Instructional leaders consistently analyze student data and growth and provide resources for all students – including our high achievers and those who need help to graduate on time. I am proud of the hard work our students are showing and for the support of our teachers, administrators and staff that support them with their goal to graduate,” Navarro said.

 

 

Where to view graduation data Graduation data for each Charles County high school is posted on the Maryland Report Card website.