Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced today that the state’s high school graduation rate has reached an all-time high of 89.7% for the 2023-2024 school year, marking an increase of 1.7 percentage points over the previous year and exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
The 2023-2024 rate surpasses the 86.9% recorded during the 2018-2019 school year, establishing a new benchmark in Florida’s educational achievements.
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This year’s results do not include the pandemic-era exemptions from statewide assessment requirements, solidifying the milestone as a true indicator of academic progress.
“Florida leads the nation in education because we prioritize learning over indoctrination, empower parents, and provide universal school choice,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This record graduation rate is yet another testament to our commitment to delivering top-quality education and maintaining our #1-in-the-nation status.”
Florida Department of Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. echoed the Governor’s sentiments, stating, “Florida’s continued success in climbing graduation rates demonstrates that our student-first approach works. Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida remains a national leader in educational outcomes.”
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Key Highlights from the 2023-2024 Graduation Report
- Statewide Growth: The 89.7% graduation rate reflects a 1.7 percentage point increase from 2022-2023 and a 2.4 percentage point rise from 2021-2022.
- Advancements Across Demographics:
- African American students: +2.1 percentage points from 2022-2023, +3.3 since 2021-2022.
- Hispanic students: +2.2 percentage points from 2022-2023, +3.1 since 2021-2022.
- Students with disabilities: +1.3 percentage points from 2022-2023, +3.3 since 2021-2022.
- Economically disadvantaged students: +2.4 percentage points from 2022-2023, +3.1 since 2021-2022.
- English Language Learners (ELL): +4.6 percentage points from 2022-2023, +7.7 since 2021-2022.
Since the start of Governor DeSantis’ administration, Florida’s high school graduation rate has surged from 70.6% to this year’s record-breaking 89.7%. This growth reflects the success of policies emphasizing school choice, parent empowerment, and tailored educational solutions.
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Florida continues to lead the nation in educational innovation and results. The state’s consistent improvements in graduation rates underscore its dedication to preparing students for academic and professional success.
For more details on Florida’s 2023-2024 graduation rates, visit the Florida Department of Education’s website here.
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