In a recent report by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) showcased an impressive graduation rate for its Class of 2023, surpassing the state average. According to the data, over 90% of CCPS students graduated on time, maintaining a lead over Maryland’s average rate of 85.8%.
Despite a slight decrease from the previous year’s 92.6%, the 2023 cohort achieved a commendable 90.2% graduation rate. The data reveals consistent performance across all CCPS high schools, with graduation rates ranging from 86% to over 97%. North Point High School stood out with a remarkable 97.50% graduation rate, while other schools such as Henry E. Lackey High School and Thomas Stone High School reported rates of 86.61% and 86.64%, respectively.
Concurrently, the dropout rate experienced a slight increase, reaching 5.80% from 3.89% in 2022. This figure, however, remains significantly lower than the state’s average dropout rate of 9.83%.
Highlighting positive trends, the graduation rates among specific student subgroups saw notable improvements. Hispanic/Latino students’ graduation rates jumped nearly 6% to 84.49%, while English Learners witnessed a more than 10% increase, achieving a 73.33% graduation rate.
Superintendent Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., attributed these achievements to ongoing efforts to mitigate learning losses from the pandemic. Since 2021, CCPS has intensified initiatives such as on-demand tutoring, grade and course recovery programs, and expanded opportunities for earning original credits starting in middle school. Navarro emphasized the commitment to ensuring all students graduate on time, irrespective of their background or path to graduation.
The report underlines CCPS’s strategic use of its student information system, Synergy, to monitor individual progress toward graduation. This system, integral to the college and career readiness strategy, provides vital data for interventions and support.
Moreover, CCPS has enhanced access to education by offering free summer school, transportation for summer classes, and diverse learning options like the Early College and dual enrollment programs. The upcoming CCPS Virtual Academy program is set to welcome over 400 students, reflecting the district’s adaptability to various learning preferences.
The comprehensive strategies implemented by CCPS aim not only to maintain high graduation rates but also to prepare students for post-secondary success, be it in college, career, or life pathways. The full graduation data for the Charles County high schools can be accessed on the Maryland Report Card website.
