SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Public Schools and the School Committee recognized a vast improvement in graduation and dropout rates throughout the district.

In 2012, the district garnered a dropout rate of 10 percent and a graduation rate of 56.6 percent. According to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the school district experienced noticeable improvements during that nine-year window. In 2021, each of Springfield’s schools earned a graduation rate above 86 percent, with most of the schools in the district reaching the 90 percent threshold.

In terms of drop out rate, the 10 percent figure dwindled to 1.9 percent in 2021, which equates to 537 fewer students dropping out. Certain schools featured more drastic improvements. Superintendent Daniel Warwick noted in a press release that the High School of Science and Technology increased their graduation rate from 39.9 percent in 2012 to 91.5 percent in 2021. The school also showcased a decrease in dropout rate from 11.6 percent in 2012 to .6 percent in 2021.

The district also featured a few short-term improvements after a 2020 school year defined by the pandemic. Warwick revealed that graduation rates for English Language Learners rose from 70.4 percent in 2020 to 77.2 percent in 2021.

In a statement, Warwick reflected on the improved figures. “These numbers represent the city’s youth and their futures…We cannot overstate what this means for our students and their families. And we cannot overlook the tremendous amount of hard work and collaboration that has been poured into making these gains,” said Warwick.

While he recognized improvements, the superintendent stressed the district’s focus on further progressions. “Yes, we are certainly pleased with these gains, and we celebrate them, but we are not satisfied. We want to make sure every single student graduates. Even one drop-out will be one too many… We will double our efforts to make sure we continue trending in the right direction,” said Warwick.

Mayor Domenic Sarno also reflected upon the news in a statement. “When I took over as mayor, our high school graduation rate was hovering around 50 percent and our dropout rate was at 10 percent – just plain unacceptable. Alongside public safety, our school system continues to be the number one priority of my administration. This is great news and there is still more to do,” said Sarno.

Sarno continued, “This is a testament to all our partners from administration to teachers, staff, students, families, and our business community. Thank you and congratulations to all. As I have always stated – show-up to move-up.”