For Immediate Release
October 8, 2019
Contact: Steve Edwards, Coordinator of Policy and Communications
540-662-3888 x88235
According to the Virginia Department of Education, the on-time graduation rate for
members of Frederick County Public Schools’ Class of 2019 was 92.8 percent. Virginia’s ontime
graduation rate for the Class of 2019 was 91.5 percent.
Schools Superintendent David Sovine says, “The success our high schools experience
in having students earn their diplomas on-time is a tribute to the teachers, administrators and
support staff who are dedicated to nurturing all learners to realize their dreams and aspirations.
Since Virginia began reporting on-time graduation rates for the Class of 2011, our on-time
graduation rate has increased from about 85 percent to 93 percent. This is significant in that
each student cohort presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The progress we
have made over time has been possible thanks to our commitment to providing meaningful and
engaging learning experiences and building relationships with students and families in an effort
to address individual student needs and challenges that may make it difficult for them to
graduate within four years of entering the ninth grade.”
The 2019 on-time graduation rate for James Wood High School was 93.1 percent. The
rate for Millbrook High School was 92.5 percent. Sherando High School’s rate was 93 percent.
The Virginia On-Time Graduation Rate is calculated by dividing the number of students
in the cohort earning a Virginia Board of Education-approved diploma in 2019 (or earlier) by the
number of students who entered the ninth grade for the first time in 2015-16 (plus transfers in
minus transfers out). Unlike estimated graduation rates, the Virginia On-Time Graduation Rate
takes into consideration student mobility, changes in enrollment, and promotion and retention
policies and decisions. The Virginia On-Time Graduation Rate also provides flexibility for
students with disabilities and English Language Learners who are reported as on-time
graduates regardless of when they earn a diploma. For example, a student with disabilities who
entered the ninth grade for the first time in 2013-14 and graduated in June 2019 would be
assigned to the 2015-16 ninth grade cohort and counted as an on-time graduate.
The dropout rate for Frederick County Public Schools’ Class of 2019 was 3.2 percent.
The dropout rate represents all students in a particular cohort who have not graduated,
completed a credential and have discontinued school. The state’s dropout rate for the 2019
cohort was 5.6 percent.