BALTIMORE – The four-year graduation rate for Baltimore City Public Schools’ (City Schools) African-American, Hispanic/Latino, English Learners, White students, and students with disabilities all outpaced Maryland for the Class of 2023, based on data released by the Maryland State Department of Education.
For the Class of 2023, the graduation rates for African-American and Hispanic/Latino students in City Schools increased by 2.5 percentage points and two percentage points, both greater than the state. The results align with the overall trend, where City Schools' four-year graduation rate increased 1.9 percentage points over last year, beating the decrease experienced in Maryland overall.
Meanwhile, English Learners, White, and students with disabilities recorded graduation rate increases greater than their peers statewide. At the same time, the graduation rate for City Schools’ economically disadvantaged students grew at a slightly lower rate than the state.
(Read the original announcement on the City Schools website. For the school system’s full graduation rate results, visit the Maryland School Report Card.)
“We are pleased with these results, as they reflect the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, school leaders and families. Increases across multiple student groups reflect a systemwide trend of improvement. However, there is more work to be done to ensure increased numbers of students reach their potential, particularly supporting the needs of English Learners,” said Sonja Brookins Santelises, chief executive officer of City Schools. “These results represent yet another positive step for our community.”
How City Schools outpaces the state:
The school system’s four-year graduation rate grew from 68.7% for the Class of 2022 to 70.6% for the Class of 2023. By contrast, Maryland’s four-year graduation rate dipped by 0.5 percentage points vs. the Class of 2022
Black or African American students – City Schools increased 2.5 percentage points versus 0.8 percentage points for Maryland.
English Learners - City Schools increased 2.2 percentage points versus a decrease of 0.8 percentage points for Maryland.
White - City Schools increased 4.6 percentage points versus a decrease of 0.1 percentage points for Maryland.
Hispanic/Latino of any race - City Schools increased 2 percentage points versus a decrease of 0.9 percentage points for Maryland.
Students with Disabilities - City Schools increased 2.3 percentage points versus 0.2 percentage points for Maryland.
Economically disadvantaged - City Schools increased 4 percentage points versus 5.1 percentage points for Maryland.