Hillsborough Schools Outperform FL Grad Rate For 1st Time In 5 Years

TAMPA, FL — Hillsborough County Public Schools is celebrating a graduation rate of 87.9 percent for the 2021-2022 academic year, a nearly 2-point increase from pre-pandemic levels.

This marks the first time since 2017 that Hillsborough students have outperformed the state graduation rate.

While graduation rates have declined across the state from last year, this was expected due to state officials waiving graduation requirements during the pandemic because of continued learning disruptions.

Nevertheless, Hillsborough students excelled in key areas, showing growth during the five-year period:

• African American students had a 1.6-point increase in graduation rates over the last five years.
• Hispanic learners achieved a 2.4-point graduation rate increase over the last five years.
• Students with disabilities achieved a 4.9-point increase over the last five years and a 3-point increase from pre-pandemic.

“This accomplishment is about more than a number," Superintendent Addison Davis said. "Our students, families and staff have contended with a worldwide pandemic that created struggles that extended far outside the classroom. This is an impressive feat that is directly related to the tireless efforts of dedicated teachers, school-based leaders, school counselors, support professionals, parents and community partners."

The majority of Hillsborough high schools demonstrated positive increases in graduation rates over a five-year period. Highlights include:

• Riverview High School achieved the highest graduation rate increase year over year, reaching 96.6 percent, a 2.4-point jump since 2021.
• Armwood High School experienced a 2-point increase from last year's graduation rate, and a 4.9-point jump over a five-year period.
• Newsome High School once again had the distinction of the highest graduation rate in the district at 98.9 percent.
• Freedom High School achieved a 5.4-point increase over the past five years with a 95.4 percent graduation rate.
• Gaither High School realized a 2.4-point increase in a five-year period with a 93.7 percent graduation rate.