APS News Release

APS On-Time Graduation Rate for Class of 2021 Highest Ever

  • 2021 On-Time Graduation RateOn-time Graduation rate was 94% and 70% of graduates earned an advanced diploma
  • The graduation rate for the three comprehensive high schools was 95%, of which 70% earned an advanced diploma
  • Arlington’s On-Time Graduation Rate Above State Average

The APS On-Time Graduation Rate (OGR) for the Class of 2021 was 94%, (1,648 students). This represents the highest OGR since Virginia began reporting this in 2008. In 2021, 70% of APS students who graduated earned an Advanced Studies or IB diploma, and 92% of graduates responding to a survey reported that they plan to continue their education with a post-secondary experience.

“This is a great accomplishment for the Class of 2021,” said Superintendent Dr. Francisco Durán. “I commend our teachers and staff for supporting students and making sure that they completed their work to graduate.” He continued, “Last year was challenging for students, but they showed tremendous resiliency and I am extremely proud of the Class of 2021.”

2021 Advanced DiplomasThe OGR for Arlington’s three comprehensive high schools is:

  • Wakefield High School – 95%
  • Washington-Liberty High School – 95%
  • Yorktown High School – 97%

The OGR increased by more than nine percentage points from 85% in 2009 to 94% in 2021.

VDOE Release and Definitions

  • The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) released 2021 On-Time Graduation and Dropout Rates
  • Rates are based on the cohort of students who first entered Grade 9 during the 2017-18 school year:
    • On-time graduates are those who earned a Virginia Board of Education-approved diploma*
    • Dropouts reflect the students who dropped out or whose status is undetermined.

Additional Resources Online
High school cohort reports for schools, school divisions and the commonwealth are available for viewing and downloading on the VDOE website and on School Quality Profile reports under the “College and Career Readiness” tab.

*Advanced Studies Diplomas include International Baccalaureate Diplomas earned by students in the IB program at Washington-Liberty High School. Modified Standard Diplomas and Special Diplomas are available only to students with disabilities and, beginning with the Grade 9 class in 2013-14, will no longer be offered.