NEW YORK – Schools Chancellor David C. Banks today announced New York City’s Class of 2021 achieved a four-year high school graduation rate of 81.2 percent, a 2.4 percentage point increase from last year. In addition the dropout rate fell to 4.8 percent, a 1 percentage point decrease from 2020. Under mayoral accountability the citywide graduation rate has increased more than 20 percentage points, and this administration is committed to scaling, sustaining and restoring what works to continue to drive citywide graduation rates and postsecondary readiness to new heights. 

“New York City students have proved their resilience and determination throughout this pandemic, and these graduation rates underscore the importance of providing all our young people with the supports they need to achieve a bold future,” said Schools Chancellor David C. Banks. “While there is more work to do to ensure every child has the opportunities to graduate, attend college and start their career, we’re proud of our graduates, families and educators for their outstanding accomplishments.”  

Preparing students with the supports, learning experiences and tools they need to graduate ready for college and the 21^st century workforce is a priority for this administration. Educators are executing this work every day in New York City schools, by keeping students on track toward graduation, by supporting them on mastering courses through rigorous instruction, and offering individualized postsecondary planning to prepare them for their next steps after completing high school. 

Graduation rates increased across Asian, Black and Hispanic students:  

·         91.0 percent for Asian students, up 1.5 points since 2020 

·         78.5 percent for Black students, up 2.7 points since 2020 

·         78.2 percent for Hispanic students, up 4.1 points since 2020 

·         81.8 percent for White students, down 2.1 points since 2020 

The 4-year graduation rate increased and the dropout rate decreased across all five boroughs. 

The largest improvement in graduation and dropout rates was in the Bronx: 

Graduation

Dropout

The graduation rate for Ever English Language Learners (students who had been classified as ELLs and exited ELL status any year prior to school year of their last enrollment) increased by 0.4 percentage points, from 89.0 percent in 2020 to 89.5percent in 2021. When looking just at Current English Language Learners (students who were identified as ELLs during the school year of their last enrollment), the graduation rate increased by 14.6 percentage points, from 45.7 percent in 2020 to 60.3 percent in 2021.  

There were also gains among students with disabilities, with a 57.8 percent graduation rate in 2021, an increase of 5.0 points from 2020. The dropout rate for students with disabilities decreased to 7.0 percent in 2021, down from 8.5 percent in 2020. 

More information on New York City’s graduation results can be found online.