MOCO Schools' Graduation Rate Increases To 91.4 Percent

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — The graduation rate in Montgomery County Public Schools rose two percentage points from 2020 to 2021, with 91.4 percent Class of 2021 graduating, the Maryland State Department of Education's data says.

“The increase in our graduation rate is encouraging,” said Interim Superintendent Monifa B. McKnight in a statement. “Our staff has been doing an extraordinary job under very difficult circumstances to help our students overcome significant disruptions and continue to make progress."

The state's average graduation rate is 87.2 percent.

The graduation rate for students in the "Limited English Proficient" category in Montgomery County increased 11.6 percent from the Class of 2020 to the Class of 2021, MCPS's release says.

"While we celebrate these gains, we will not be satisfied until all of our students graduate college, career and community ready, and prepared to thrive in their futures," said McKnight in the release.

The district said the pandemic highlighted the importance of mental health supports and other resources.

“While graduation is the final milestone, the work to support students and address their individual needs begins as they walk into our doors,” said Ruschelle Reuben, Chief of Teaching, Learning, and Schools, in the release. “Our mental health supports, including social-emotional lessons and mindfulness practices, combined with our partnership with county agencies, ensure that we are able to meet student and family needs.”