Wakulla County Graduation Rate Exceeds State Average

{sidebar id=1}High school graduation rates for the 2006-2007 school year were released on November 30, and Wakulla County scored in the top fourteen counties in the state.

At 82.5 percent, Wakulla High School and Sopchoppy Education Center high school students graduated 10.1 percent above the state average of 72.4 percent.

Wakulla improved its graduation rate from the previous year by 4.9 percent, jumping from 77.6 percent in 2005-2006 to 82.5 percent in 2006-2007. Florida rates increased by 1.4 percent compared to the previous year’s statistics.

“I see our students taking their education seriously,” stated Wakulla High School principal Mike Crouch. “They are more focused and realize that we have a lot to offer them here such as career preparation and college courses. We strive to show them the many opportunities that lie ahead if they get that diploma.”

In addition, the dropout rates were released, and Wakulla decreased its dropout rate from 5.7 percent in 2005-2006 to 2.7 percent in 2006-2007. The state average is 3.3 percent for 2006-2007.

Superintendent David Miller commented, “Without the tireless efforts of our teachers, administrators, and parents, this success could not be possible. I think they have helped our students realize the value of a high school education. Of course, the students are the ones who put in the hard work to succeed at such a high level.”

One reason for the improved graduation rate is the continuous addition of relevant classes and opportunities for Wakulla’s high school students, such as culinary arts courses, accounting classes with a full-service credit union on campus, and Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses for college credit. In 2008-2009, Wakulla High will expand its health careers program into a full Medical Academy. All of these programs can lead to Florida Bright Futures college scholarships.

The Florida Department of Education bases its graduation rate on data that follows every student from ninth grade to graduation with his or her senior class in four years.

- Submitted by Beth O’Donnell, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction

This article originally published on November 30, 2007.

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