FDSH Graduation Rate Highest Since 2013
March 14, 2019, Fort Dodge, IA- Fort Dodge Senior High’s four-year graduation rate in 2018 was 85.25 percent. This is an increase of 7.51 percent from 2017 and is the highest since 2013 when the rate was 86.26 percent.
“High school graduation is important for all students because it opens the door to opportunities,” said Dr. Jesse Ulrich, FDCSD superintendent. “A high school diploma is an equalizer for young people. It doesn’t matter what background you come from, graduating from high school is a critical step to securing a future full of promise.”
FDSH made significant gains in the graduation rates of student demographic subgroups. From 2017 to 2018, the rates increased by 22.79 percent for African Americans, 16.49 percent for students with individualized education plans (IEPs), 14.44 percent for students receiving free or reduced cost meals, and 10.89 percent for Hispanics. In addition, the 2018 rates for these subgroups are well above the five-year averages.
“The graduation rates for the student subgroups all improving is evidence of the work our dedicated educators are doing,” Ulrich stated. “While we are very proud of the efforts and improvement, we know there is still work to be done to get us where we want to be. Together, with the support of our families and community partners, graduation can be a reality for all of our students at Fort Dodge Community School District.”
Iowa calculates graduation rates with a formula established by the U.S. Department of Education. Unique student identification numbers allow school districts to account for all ninth-grade students as they move through high school. At the state level, the method helps determine when a student graduates, even if the student has switched districts in Iowa during high school.
The mission of the Fort Dodge Community School District is to provide quality learning experiences and build relationships that develop productive citizens ready for their futures. For more information about the Fort Dodge Community Schools visit www.fdschools.org or call 515.576.1161. Our Schools. Our Community. Our Pride.
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