Photos for Headline Surfer / Volusia County School District's graduation rate is 76 percent, equivalent to a C grade. In terms of a grade, neighboring counties Seminole (80.3 percent), Flagler (80.4 percent) and Orange (81.3 percent) would all get a B- and Brevard would get a B+. Of the highest grad rate grades among Volusia County high schools, Seabreeze HS in Ormond Beach is tops at 87 percent or a B+, followed by Spruce Creek High School at 85.9 percent and Atlantic with an 83.8 percent graduation rate or a B for both Port Orange high schools.DELAND, Fla. — The Florida Department of Education released the 2015-16 high school graduation rates today, showing Volusia County's rate climbed to 76 percent, but still lower than neighboring county school districts such as Seminole with 80.3 percent, Flagler with 80.4 percent, Orange at 81.3 percent and Brevard at 87.4 percent.
Of course, numbers can be spun to make the metrics look good, which is what Volusia County did in pointing out the district had an increase of 15 percent over the last five years and a 4.4 percent increase over last year. "Volusia’s rate is the highest increase of surrounding counties and exceeds the state increase," Volusia County School district spokeswoman Nancy Wait Wait said, adding, "Two high schools had double digit gains: Atlantic High with a 14.3 percent increase and Taylor Middle-High with a 10.3 percent increase."
But the bottom line is Volusia County still lags behind its neighboring school districts in terms of overall graduation percentages.
Of course, numbers can be spun to make the metrics look good, which is what Volusia Countyhas dome in pointing out the district had an increase of 15 percent over the last five years and a 4.4 percent increase over last year.
"Volusia’s rate is the highest increase of surrounding counties and exceeds the state increase," Volusia County School district spokeswoman Nancy Wait said, adding, "Two high schools had double digit gains: Atlantic High with a 14.3 percent increase and Taylor Middle-High with a 10.3 percent increase."
But the bottom line is Volusia County still lags behind its neighboring school districts in terms of overall graduation percentages.
Wait continued, "Because Superintendent Tom Russell identified graduation assurance as a high priority for Volusia County Schools, several programs were put in place to raise graduation rates, including an early warning system to identify students needing additional assistance and placing AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) in every high school."
Wait said as a result, Volusia County made huge gains with subgroup populations:
- At-risk students - 11.5% increase;
- African American students - 8.7% increase;
- Hispanic students - 7.5% increase;
- Exceptional education students - 14.1% increase;
“I am very proud of our students, teachers and administrators for their achievements,” Volusia Schoolsd Superintendent Tom Russell said in a statement released by Wait. “We are excited to see the increases this year which are the result of our focus on graduation assurance.”