High School Graduation Rates

High School Graduation Rates measures the rate at which black and non-black students graduate from public high schools within the St. Louis region within four years. In 2016, there were 15,160 students who graduated within four years out of a total of 16,667 students, for a graduation rate of 91%.

High School Graduation Indicator Scores

City of
St. Louis

100

St. Louis
County

84

St. Charles
County

92

St. Clair
County

What does this score mean?

A score of 100 represents racial equity, meaning there are no racial disparities in the outcomes between black and non-black populations. The lower the Equity Score, the greater the disparity.

For High School Graduation Rates, a score of 100 – a score reflecting racial equity – would mean black and non-black students graduate from public or charter high school within 4 years at equal rates. It is important to note that for this indicator, equity is not our only goal; we also want to improve outcomes for all.

WHAT DOES THIS ANALYSIS MEAN?

Across the region, non-black students are 8% more likely to graduate high school in four years. In St. Louis County, black students had a graduation rate of 87% compared to 94.1% of non-black students, a disparity ratio of 8.2%. In St. Charles county, non-black students are 4% more likely to graduate high school (93.3% relative to 89.7%). If high school graduation rates were more equitable in these two counties, there would have been 264 more black high school graduates in St. Louis County and 13 more in St. Charles County.

In the City of St. Louis, black students are not less likely to graduate than other students. However, the graduation rate overall in the City is much lower than the other two counties studied. This indicator demonstrates that equity is necessary but not sufficient for good outcomes. Too many students do not graduate from high school, no matter their race.

Why Does High School Graduation Rate Matter?

Low high school graduation rates contribute to the number of residents in our community who do not have a high school diploma. Earning a high school diploma is a minimum requirement for many jobs and to pursue further education. Residents who drop out of school have lower incomes and have fewer job opportunities than more educated peers.

WHICH CALLS TO ACTION FROM THE FERGUSON COMMISSION’s REPORT ARE LINKED WITH THIS INDICATOR?

One of the Ferguson Commission’s priority areas is providing rigorous primary and secondary education. To achieve that goal, the Commission released the following calls to action:

Questions for Further Investigation:

  • What can St. Louis do to increase High School Graduation Rate?

How can I learn more about this issue?

The Alliance for Excellent Education publishes many reports on national, regional, and metro-area social and economic impacts of dropouts on communities, as well as sharing best practices from across the country to reduce dropout rate.

High School Graduation Rate Data

Black and non-black students who graduate from high school in four years

 AllBlackNon-BlackDisparity RatioEquity Score
Graduates
1,6213231,298
Adjusted Cohort Population
1,9464031,543
High School Graduation
83.30%80.10%84.10%0.953 to 1100

Data Source: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 2016

Black and non-black students who graduate from high school in four years

 AllBlackNon-blackDisparity RatioEquity Score
Graduates
9,4933,2336,260
Adjusted Cohort Population
10,3703,7176,653
High School Graduation
91.50%87.00%94.10%1.082 to 184

Data Source: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 2016

Black and non-black students who graduate from high school in four years

 AllBlackNon-blackDisparity RatioEquity Score
Graduates
4,0463143,732
Adjusted Cohort Population
4,3513504,001
High School Graduation
92.90%89.70%93.30%1.040 to 192

Data Source: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 2016

Data Not Available