NEW YORK—New York City’s graduation rate held steady at 64.7 percent during the 2012–2013 school year, a slight decrease from the previous year’s 65 percent.
The administration said rates would have been 66.1 percent if using the 2011 Regents exam requirements, according to a press release.
Dropout rates were at 11.4 percent this past school year, a drop from 22 percent in 2005.
“Over the last 10 years, our students have made tremendous gains, meeting higher standards and learning the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg in a statement.
“Since taking control of a failing school system, graduation rates have increased even as requirements have become harder, fewer students are dropping out and more are taking the time to earn their diplomas.”
In 2005, when Bloomberg took over the school system, graduation rates were at 46.5 percent.
“As standards increase for students at all grade levels, we must continue to support the reforms that have enabled these gains and not turn back the clock on our students,” Schools Chancellor Dennis M. Walcott said in a statement.
“For some students, achieving higher standards takes more time—and I’m proud that more students than ever before are staying in school and graduating after five or six years.”
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