2021-2022 graduation rates released

Jan. 13, 2023

The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) released graduation rates for the 2021-2022 school year. Pinellas County Schools continues to outpace the state with an overall graduation rate of 88.1 compared to Florida’s overall rate of 87.3. Pinellas also continues to rank highly among the state’s ten largest districts, ranking just behind the Palm Beach (89) and Miami-Dade (88.2) school districts.

In a conference call with the FDOE, Commissioner Manny Diaz and Deputy Chancellor Paul Burns celebrated that the state’s overall graduation rate was similar to pre-pandemic levels. Pinellas County’s rate of 88.1 is also in line with pre-pandemic graduation rates, showing that the district’s recovery efforts have been effective at mitigating the effects of COVID-related learning loss.

Ten Largest Districts in Florida

While concerning, the decline in graduation rates across the state is not unexpected due to the elimination of the COVID testing waivers offered to seniors in 2020 and 2021. Students in the Class of 2022 not only had to meet more rigorous standards but also endured the most disruption brought on by the pandemic.

“I take all declines in our graduation rate seriously, however, I am very proud that Pinellas County Schools’ students continue to be competitive across the state,” said Superintendent Kevin K. Hendrick.  “Our educators and administrators have the resources required to address the needs of our students, and I am confident we will return to seeing gains in future graduation rates, even as requirements for graduation become more difficult.”

Both Gibbs and Palm Harbor University high schools improved their graduation rates, and seven additional schools maintained their rate from 2020-2021 within one percentage point.