News Summary
Kent and Ottawa counties celebrate a significant rise in high school graduation rates for 2024. With nearly all public school districts reporting increases, Spring Lake Public Schools leads with a 99.53% graduation rate. Overall, Michigan’s average graduation rate has improved, showcasing commitment and progress in education across the region. Schools are witnessing the benefits of hard work from students and educators, paving the way for a promising future in education.
Exciting News from Kent and Ottawa Counties!
It’s a wonderful time to celebrate in Kent and Ottawa counties as high school graduation rates are on the rise for 2024! According to newly released state data on dropout and graduation rates, nearly every public school district in these areas has seen an increase in their graduation numbers this year—a promising trend that reflects the hard work and dedication of both students and teachers.
Spring Lake Takes the Spotlight
Leading the charge with a staggering graduation rate of 99.53%, Spring Lake Public Schools is shining bright this year! Out of 211 senior students, an impressive 210 graduated. That’s not just good, it’s incredible! And the best part? They reported a 0% dropout rate. Talk about setting the bar high!
A Statewide Trend
Across Michigan, the average four-year graduation rate hit 82.83% in 2024, climbing up from 81.77% in 2023, and 81.41% back in 2019. It seems the entire state is riding the wave of success, with many public school districts in West Michigan noticeably outperforming the state average.
Top Performers in Kent County
Focusing on Kent County, Comstock Park Public Schools scored an impressive graduation rate of 98.33%, graduating 118 out of 120 seniors, although they reported a small dropout rate of 0.83%. Other schools such as East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Forest Hills, Byron Center, and Rockford also saw graduation rates soar above 95%—a clear indication that education is flourishing in this region!
Charting New Heights in Ottawa County
Over in Ottawa County, both Jenison and Hudsonville Public Schools managed to achieve graduation rates exceeding 95%. Holland Public Schools made significant strides, jumping almost 10% from 71.9% in 2023 to 81.64% in 2024. That’s what we call progress!
Grand Rapids Public Schools Makes Gains
Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) is also part of this uplifting trend! While their dropout rate hovered around 10.37%, they still experienced a slight graduation rate bump from 82.39% in 2023 to 82.53% this year. Despite enrollment going down, GRPS proudly celebrated an increase in graduates, from 683 in 2023 to 756 in 2024. It’s the largest graduating class they’ve seen in a decade!
Celebrating More Success Stories
Across the board, about 43% of the 94 schools analyzed showed increases in their graduation rates from the 2022-23 to the 2023-24 school year, which is fabulous! Schools like Sparta Senior High and Cedar Springs High in Kent County saw substantial improvements with an 8% boost in their graduation rates, proving that commitment and effort are making a difference.
A Bright Future for Alternative Education
Not to be overlooked, many charter schools and alternative education programs reported impressive gains too! Several institutions achieved a perfect graduation rate of 100%, including Spring Lake High School, which successfully graduated 198 students this year.
See the Progress Visually
For those interested in diving deeper into the numbers, a detailed map illustrates the graduation rates for school districts in both Kent and Ottawa counties, comparing the current rates to those from previous years. It’s clear that education is thriving in these communities.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
The rise in graduation rates in Kent and Ottawa counties is cause for celebration as these communities come together to foster educational achievement. It’s an exciting time filled with possibilities, and here’s hoping the trend continues, paving the way for future generations!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Grand Rapids Celebrates David Faber’s Achievements in Education
Graduation Rates Soar in Kent and Ottawa Counties
Kent County Faces Educational Challenges with Low-Performing Schools
Grand Rapids Public Schools Reports Significant Progress
Additional Resources
- Mlive: Highest Graduation Rate in Grand Rapids Area
- Wikipedia: Graduation Rate
- Mlive: Kent County Schools on State Watch List
- Google Search: School Performance in Michigan
- Mlive: Top 50 Districts in Grand Rapids Area
- Google Scholar: Graduation Rates in Michigan
- Mlive: Top 50 School Districts in Michigan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Mlive: West Michigan School Closings
