Among VPS high schools, Fort Vancouver High School Center for International Studies’ preliminary rate indicates the greatest year-over-year gain
Vancouver Public Schools’ on-time graduation rate for the class of 2020 is estimated to reach nearly 90 percent, which would be a sizable increase from the 2019 rate of 85.4 percent. Among VPS high schools, Fort Vancouver High School Center for International Studies’ preliminary rate indicates the greatest year-over-year gain, from 75 percent in 2019 to an estimated 83 percent in 2020.
More than 1,300 VPS graduates received diplomas in June 2020.
The district’s graduation rates have demonstrated an upward trend in recent years:
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | |
| District total | 74% | 80% | 80% | 82% | 85% | 85.4% | 89.43%(preliminary) |
Administrators credit rising graduation rates to sustained, collaborative effort at each school and throughout the district. Over the past decade, graduation rates have improved by almost 26 points, up from 64% in 2010.
“The work at Fort Vancouver High School Center for International Studies is centered on building strong teaching practices that allow students to investigate the world, recognize different perspectives, communicate ideas and take action,” said Principal Curt Scheidel. “As our team continues to focus on supporting students, helping them find hope and opportunity in their learning, more students will experience success. We will continue working to ensure that students receive instruction that empowers them to meet learning standards, is respectful of their culture and supports their individual needs.”
The gain in graduation rates also is the direct outcome of more than a decade of work in several areas of the district’s strategic plan:
- High-quality, standards-based curriculum, instruction and assessment practices
- Early learning programs and collaboration with early learning providers
- Upgraded facilities and new technology tools to allow students anytime, anyplace learning
- Programs of choice providing students with options that allow them to develop their abilities, talents and interests
- Family engagement and Family-Community Resource Centers that build assets and remove barriers to learning
- Safe and supportive schools creating cultures of respect and trust
“The continued increase in on-time graduation is a point of pride for our students, their families, the entire VPS staff and the Vancouver community,’’ said Superintendent Steve Webb. “Although senior year for the class of 2020 ended in an unexpected manner, this class came together in ways that are a testament to the graduates’ tenacity and unity. I am proud of them for their grace and courage in this unprecedented time, and I’m grateful to the many families and educators who provided support and guidance along the way.”
The official graduation rate will be certified by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2021.
Information provided by Vancouver School District.
