Groton's Graduation Rate Slightly Behind State

Groton reported a graduation rate slightly behind the state in 2010, according to data released Thursday by the State Department of Education. The data showed that while Connecticut's graduation rate improved, nearly 1 in 5 students failed to complete high school in four years.

In Groton, 21.1 percent of students failed to graduate within four years, compared to 18.2 percent at the state level. Fitch High School showed slightly better performance but also remained behind the state, with 19 percent not receiving a diploma within four years.

"Obviously, the 81 percent four-year graduation rate is not where the Board of Education would like to see Fitch High School in the long run," Board Chairwoman Kirsten Hoyt said, "But, because of the timing of the release of the data over the holiday break, we will need some time to examine the data further to see how this compares to previous years."

In some areas, Groton bucked the state trend; Hispanic and black students in the district performed better than those groups across the state. English language learners also did well, showing a graduation rate of 92.9 percent.

Groton differed from the state in its achievement of students based on gender. Male students had a better graduation rate than female students in the district. Statewide figures showed the opposite.

Superintendent Paul Kadri could not be reached for comment on the data over the holiday weekend.

Hoyt said administrators and staff at Fitch made "great progress" academically during the past few years and also started a "Commit to Graduate" program for high school seniors.

"The Board of Education is confident that our high school team will continue their progress toward meeting the needs of our students and addressing the graduation rates," she said.

To determine the 2010 graduation rate, the state looked at data from 44,461 students. It found that 8,092 students, or 18.2 percent, failed to complete high school in four years. 

The rate was an improvement from 2009, during which 20.7 percent failed to graduate.

“We refuse to accept the notion that some students will not graduate from high school prepared for college and career,” Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor said in a prepared statement. “The economic and social costs are too great.  We can and must do better.”

Of the 18.2 percent who failed to graduate statewide, 6.1 percent are still enrolled and 0.4 percent who did not complete school but received a certificate of attendance.

The state found that graduation rates vary widely among towns. Ten districts, including Guilford and Madison, had graduation rates higher than 95 percent.

Six districts, including New London and Norwich, had rates lower than 65 percent.

The percentage of students across the state, in Groton and at Fitch High School who completed high school in four years in 2010 is listed below.