Graduation Rates at Catholic Board Exceed Provincial Average

Graduation Rates at Catholic Board Exceed Provincial Average
Posted on 05/11/2017
MAY 11, 2017 - BARRIE, ON: The Ministry of Education recently announced that the province-wide graduation rate has increased to an all-time high of 86.5 per cent.The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board's (SMCDSB) graduation rates have exceeded the provincial average once again this year, with a 5-year graduation rate of 88.8 per cent.

This year, SMCDSB has a four year graduation rate of 83.3 per cent and five year graduation rate of 88.8 per cent. 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. At Catholic high schools in Simcoe County and the Districts of Muskoka and Parry Sound, programs such as Specialist High Skills Major, dual credits and expanded cooperative education have played a key role in helping more students to achieve their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

"We know that not every student learns in the same way and that is why programs like dual credit and Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) have been so successful," said Brian Beal, Director of Education. "We want to give our students every chance for success in their future and graduating with an OSSD certainly sets the stage."