NNPS graduation rate reaches all-time high, tops state average
More students in Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) are graduating on time. The NNPS graduation rate remains at an all-time high, with 94.8 percent of the class of 2019 graduating in four years. The school division’s on-time graduation rate has experienced a steady increase from 72.9 percent in 2008. During the same time period, the dropout rate decreased from 12 percent to 1.8 percent.
NNPS’ on-time graduation rate is three percentage points higher than the state average of 91.5 percent and the NNPS dropout rate is lower than the state average of 5.6 percent. The overall student completion rate for NNPS, which includes students who have earned a diploma or a GED in four years, is 96.4 percent.
The NNPS class of 2019 increased its graduation rate while taking more rigorous Standards of Learning tests designed by the Virginia Department of Education to better prepare students to meet national and international benchmarks for college and career readiness.
The on-time graduation rate monitors a cohort of high school students entering ninth grade and assesses the graduation and dropout rates of these students four years later. The 2019 on-time graduation and dropout rates monitored the 2019 graduating class, who entered ninth grade in the 2015 – 2016 school year. Twenty students from the cohort are still enrolled in the school division, giving them an opportunity to complete graduation requirements during the 2019 – 2020 school year.
NNPS students named AP scholars
There were 224 Newport News Public Schools students named 2019 Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars. Students earning this distinction took at least three AP courses and the corresponding exams and scored a three or better on each exam.
In addition, eight NNPS students were named National Advanced Placement Scholars for their achievements on Advanced Placement exams. Most of the students graduated with the Class of 2019 in June. National AP Scholars received an average score of at least four on all AP exams taken, and scores of four or higher on eight or more exams.
The Newport News Public Schools Advanced Placement program prepares students for post-secondary success. Recognizing the benefits of AP coursework, NNPS encourages all students to prepare for and take at least one AP class in high school. Studies show that AP courses move students toward a higher level of preparedness for success after high school. AP courses help improve writing skills and problem-solving techniques, develop good study habits for engaging rigorous coursework and provide students with a greater level of depth and detail in subject areas.
AP courses are open to all students and the school division covers all exam fees. NNPS is a leader in AP course offerings with 30 courses in 22 subject areas — nearly every AP course offered. Students with qualifying scores may earn college credit.
Newport News Public Schools offers more AP courses than any other public school division or private school on the Virginia Peninsula.
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