North Carolina reports record-high graduation rate of 88.8%

The North Carolina State Board of Education recently reviewed several key educational metrics, most notably reporting that the statewide graduation rate has reached 88.8%. This figure represents the highest graduation rate in the state's history and aligns with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s strategic goal of achieving excellence.

The Board also addressed the issue of chronic absenteeism, which is defined in the state as missing 10% or more of school days. Following a pandemic peak of 31%, absenteeism was recorded at approximately 24% for the 2024-25 school year. In response to a national challenge to reduce absenteeism by 50% by 2030, the state has launched the ‘AttendNC Counts’ initiative.

Dr. Sean Kellogg of the DPI Office of Research and Promising Practices presented research-based planning guides and resources to assist districts. Additionally, the Board recognized 310 ‘Bright Spot Schools’ that have successfully implemented strategies to significantly reduce chronic absenteeism.