Virginia Beach City Public Schools class of 2020 broke city records for the highest on-time graduation percentage and lowest dropout rates. 

On Sept. 30, the Virginia Department of Education released statistics for the 2019-2020 school year, which they started recording in 2008.

According to the VDOE website, VBCPS on-time graduation rates have steadily increased while dropout rates decreased. VBCPS started with an on-time graduation rate of 84.2 percent and a dropout percentage of seven. For the class of 2020, 94.2 percent of students graduated on time while only 2.8 percent dropped out.

“High expectations of students have repeatedly been shown to have a positive impact on students’ performance,” said Ocean Lakes Principal Claire Leblanc. 

VBCPS outperformed the average of all Virginia schools in these categories. The Virginia average for on-time graduations last year was 92.3 percent and the average dropout rate was 5.1 percent.

“It is, without a doubt, a collective effort of so many individuals on so many levels. I am thankful for the platform I have to recognize such effort and accomplishment, and I do so with tremendous pride in our students, staff, and families,” said School Board Chair Carolyn Rye.

Additionally, VDOE recognized VBCPS as one of 15 innovative Virginia school divisions for feats such as making early college classes available and expanding learning opportunities.

“I would also like the division to continue to be innovative. Successful people and leaders must stay innovative,” said Leblanc.