The Gainesville City School System announced on Wednesday that the four-year cohort graduation rate for the Class of 2025 was 91.4%.
Superintendent Jeremy Williams said this is the first time the school system exceeded a 90% graduation rate, with Gainesville High School’s rate at 92.6% and Horizon Academy’s rate at 89.9%.
“When we opened Horizon Academy, we were optimistic the cohort-based environment and the small-group structure would benefit our students at risk of dropping out and not graduating,” Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Williams said. “The result led to impressive graduation rates at both high schools for English Learners and other subgroups.”
By race and ethnicity, Black students had a graduation rate of 91.2%, while Hispanic students recorded a rate of 91.8%.
English learners had a graduation rate of 89.8%, students with disabilities achieved a rate of 88.4%, and economically disadvantaged students had a rate of 91.4%.
GCSS had more than 650 graduates at its joint graduation in May.
“Achieving over 90% graduation for the first time shows the power of a concentrated, school-wide effort. We recognized that many of our students have demanding lives, so we focused on offering immediate, customized support through our teachers and counselors,” GHS Principal Roberto Rivera said. “On the administrative side, we ensured consistent, high-quality instruction for all. Combining these two strategies guaranteed every senior had the opportunity to graduate.”
Non-traditional high school, Horizon Academy, which opened in August 2024, serves more than 450 students across several tailored programs.
“At Horizon, it all comes back to the teachers. The relationships that they build with students that motivate and encourage success are unmatched,” Horizon Academy Principal Kristen Rowland said. “These teachers go above and beyond with parent contact and progress monitoring, helping all stakeholders stay updated on student progress towards graduation.”
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