Education is a crucial factor in determining the growth and development of a country. A high school degree is the minimum level of education required to enter the workforce, and it is therefore essential that the graduation rates of cities across the United States are closely monitored.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average graduation rate for high schools in the United States was 85% in 2020. However, there are significant variations in the graduation rates of cities across the country. In this article, we will look at the cities with the best and worst graduation rates in the United States.
Cities With The Best Graduation Rates
1. Irvine, California
Irvine is a city located in Orange County, California. It has the highest graduation rate in the country, with 98.7% of high school students graduating in 2020. The city boasts of excellent schools, qualified teachers, and a rigorous academic curriculum.
2. Frisco, Texas
Frisco is a suburb located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area in Texas. It has a graduation rate of 98.2%, thanks to its world-class school district, responsive and supportive parents, and effective education policies.
3. Lakeville, Minnesota
Lakeville is a city located in Dakota County, Minnesota. It has a graduation rate of 98.2%, offering an excellent education to its students. The city has well-funded schools, qualified educators, and support programs that make it easy for students to succeed.
4. Westfield, New Jersey
Westfield is a town located in Union County, New Jersey. With a graduation rate of 98%, Westfield has consistently maintained a culture of excellence in its school district. The town’s investments in the education sector make it a favorable place to raise a family.
5. Davis, California
Davis is a city located in Yolo County, California. With a graduation rate of 97.8%, Davis is an ideal place for students to acquire an education of the highest quality. The city is home to the University of California, Davis, which offers excellent opportunities for higher education.
Cities With The Worst Graduation Rates
1. Detroit, Michigan
Detroit has the lowest graduation rate in the country, with only 77.8% of high school students graduating in 2020. The city has been plagued by economic difficulties for decades, and its public education system has been ailing due to underfunding and poor management.
2. Indianapolis, Indiana
Only 79% of high school students graduated in Indianapolis in 2020. The city has been struggling to provide quality education to its residents, mainly due to underfunding. However, the city has recently been investing in education policies that aim to improve graduation rates.
3. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque has a graduation rate of 80.7%, ranking it among the cities with the lowest graduation rates in the country. The city has a long history of economic difficulties, which has affected its education system. The city’s schools have been underfunded, and its teachers are underpaid, leading to a lack of motivation among students.
4. Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis has a graduation rate of only 81%, making it one of the worst-performing cities in the United States in terms of high school graduation rates. The city’s education system has been struggling with poverty, a lack of resources, and low teacher morale, making it difficult for students to succeed.
5. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland has a graduation rate of 81.7%, making it one of the cities with the lowest graduation rates in the country. The city has been struggling with poverty and economic difficulties, which have affected its education system. Additionally, Cleveland has a high student-to-teacher ratio, leading to low motivation and poor performance.
In conclusion, graduation rates are crucial in determining the growth and development of cities across the United States. Cities with high graduation rates tend to attract more investment, while those with low graduation rates struggle to maintain economic viability. It is therefore, essential that education stakeholders in poorly performing cities work to improve policies, resources, and learning outcomes to enhance graduation rates.
