information from Highline Public Schools

Highline's graduation rate is up for the fourth consecutive year, at 78.8 percent for the Class of 2017, up four points over the previous year. Students of color are seeing the greatest gains, and gaps between student groups have decreased substantially.

Over the past five years, the graduation rate has risen nearly 22 points for Black/African American students, 25 points for Latino students and 31 points for Pacific Islander students.

The gains come at a time when more Highline students are enrolling in challenging, advanced courses. For example, in the 2016-17 school year, 1,075 students enrolled in one or more Advanced Placement (AP) class, compared to 848 students taking AP classes in 2015-16—an increase of 27 percent. In addition, more students are taking International Baccalaureate (IB) and classes that count for college credit.

“Everyone in Highline has reason to be proud of our rising graduation rate, as it reflects the hard work of our students and staff and the tremendous support of our families and community who have stepped up to be part of our Graduate! Highline movement,” said Superintendent Susan Enfield.

Gains have been particularly dramatic on the Evergreen High School campus in White Center, where the overall graduation rate for the Class of 2017 was 87.1 percent. Black/African American and white students graduated at virtually the same rate. The rate was slightly higher for Black students at 89.2 percent, compared to 88.6 percent for White students. Enrollment in AP courses more than doubled from the 2015-16 school year to 2016-17.

Since 2013 Highline Public Schools has been working toward a graduation goal of 95 percent.

“We remain committed to ensuring that every student graduates with a diploma that is a ticket to the future of his or her choice,” said Dr. Enfield.