Albany High maintains grad rate gains

The graduation rate for the Albany High School held steady at 68% for the Class of 2019, according to data the State Education Department released Jan. 16. That is the same rate as the Albany High Class of 2018, which marked the school's highest rate since the state started measuring graduation under its current methodology in 2005.

Albany High's lowest graduation rate during that time was 50% for the Class of 2010. The graduation rates for 2018 and 2019 rates represent a 36% increase since 2010. This is the sixth consecutive year that Albany High's graduation rate has increased or held steady. 

"We are seeing the benefits of focusing on the delivery of quality instruction, professional development and staying the course with the strategies that work for our students: engagement, high-cognitive demand and attention to the social-emotional well-being of our students," said Superintendent Kaweeda G. Adams. 

Albany High's Class of 2019 achieved growth in several subgroups:

• Male students increased to 63% (+2) 
  • Female students held steady at 74%
• White students increased to 83% (+7)
• Black students increased to 64% (+1)
• Students with disabilities increased to 53% (+9)

Subgroups that declined for the Class of 2019 included:

• Hispanic/Latino students -- 65% (-5)
• Asian/Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander -- 70% (-5)
• English Language Learners -- 17% (-13)