Ontario High School Graduation Rate Reaches All-Time High of 85.5 Per Cent

York Region MPPs Michael Chan, Dr. Helena Jaczek, Chris Ballard, Reza Moridi and Steven Del Duca are pleased to announce that Ontario’s high school graduation rate has increased to 85.5 per cent — the highest level in the province’s history. More students than ever graduating with the skills and knowledge they need to reach their full potential.

In York Region, both four-year and five year graduation rates for 2015 exceeded the provincial average and are as follows:

• York Catholic District School Board – Four-Year Graduation rate is 93.2 per cent and Five-Year Graduation Rate is 95.9 per cent,
• York Region District School Board – Four-Year Graduation Rate is 86.3 per cent and Five-Year Graduation Rate is 91.8 per cent.

Premier Kathleen Wynne announced this milestone in Toronto with Liz Sandals, Minister of Education. In 2015, the five-year graduation rate surpassed the government’s goal of 85 per cent for the first time. The 2015 rate has increased more than 17 percentage points since 2004, when the graduation rate was just 68 per cent.

For the second year in a row, Ontario is publishing school board level graduation rates from across the province. This gives parents, students, teachers and school boards access to data that can help inform efforts to improve student achievement.

The government has introduced a number of innovative programs through its Student Success Strategy that are credited with helping to sharply boost the graduation rate since 2004. These include Specialist High Skills Majors, dual credits and expanded cooperative education.

Helping more students succeed is part of the government’s economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education.

The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement

QUOTES

 “The graduation rate is an important indicator of the future success and well-being of our young people and our province. Every student in Markham-Unionville who has graduated should be proud of their accomplishment and I commend the efforts of our government, parents and the many dedicated educators who have contributed to this significant milestone.” — Michael Chan, M.P.P., Markham-Unionville

“I am delighted to see high school graduation rates are the highest they have ever been. Education is more important than ever – the future success of Ontario students starts with a strong academic foundation. Ontario is providing that foundation through its innovative programs that foster the talents and skills of students to provide a brighter future.” — Chris Ballard, M.P.P., Newmarket-Aurora

 “More high school students are graduating than ever before in Richmond Hill as a result of focused efforts by educators and engaging programs coupled with hard work and commitment by our secondary students. Ontario’s high school graduation rate rising to 85.5 per cent has made history in our province, and that’s an achievement our entire community should be proud of because the success of today’s high school students will impact the future success of our province.” — Reza Moridi, M.P.P., Richmond Hill

“I am pleased that our graduation rates are the highest in the province’s history. Our hardworking educators and support staff continue to ensure students in Oak Ridges-Markham are graduating with the knowledge and skills they need to move onto postsecondary education or into the workforce and this will help our economy continue to thrive and prosper.” — Dr. Helena Jaczek, M.P.P., Oak Ridges-Markham

 “I couldn’t be more proud of the high school graduation rates for York Region, and all of Ontario. These rates are not just about numbers, but about students having the knowledge and tools to reach their full potential.” — Steven Del Duca, M.P.P., Vaughan

“I am thrilled that the high school graduation rate is at an all-time high of 85.5 per cent. This reinforces one of Ontario’s greatest strengths — having one of the most highly educated populations in the world. That’s good news, because in today’s world, education matters more than ever. Ensuring that more students get diplomas means that more people will have the opportunity to reach their full potential.” –– Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario

“Our government's commitment was to reach a provincewide five-year graduation rate of 85 per cent. I am so proud that we have now reached that goal and we’re going beyond, thanks to our Student Success Strategy, along with the hard work of students, the support of their parents, and the professionalism of our educators across the province.” — Liz Sandals, Minister of Education .