On time graduation rates improve both locally and state wide

Good news for the state of Colorado, more and more students are graduating on time, surpassing the state's expectations.

Graduation rates for the class of 20-12 went up by one and a half percent over the previous class, pushing Colorado up to a 75-percent on time graduation rate.

District 51 increased its grad rate by more than two percent, exceeding the state average.

Chief academic officer for District 51, Bill Larsen, says it's the highest on-time graduation rate they've ever had.

"It's not just about high schools its really about all of our staff are here to support students, and we know that successful high school students will come from successful middle schools and successful elementary,” Larson explained.

Larsen added that their accomplishment stems from three main components:

Monitoring students’ progression from the time they're young, instead of just focusing on high school students, providing daily support and resources, and holding each student accountable for their work.

District 51 and the state also saw a decrease in dropout rates, the sixth consecutive year in Colorado.