The 2016-17 school year saw a national rise for the percentage of seniors graduating on time from high school. At 85%, this was a 1% increase from the previous year and a 5% five years prior to that. Longview then has something to be proud of as the graduation rate for 2016-17 was 94.1%, securing a spot within the top 10.
As reported by USA Today, Longview came in 9th place in the country, beating out several other Texas cities that made the top 50, including Tyler (91.9%, 39th place) and Texarkana (92.3%, 30th place). The only city within the state to outdo Longview was Wichita Falls (96.7%, 1st place).
James Brewer, Principal of Longview High School, said he is not surprised by the ranking, 'but doesn't mean we're going to rest on our laurels.'
'Any time you're able to see where you measure up with other areas, it's helpful, but ultimately that's not our priority,' he said. 'Yes, we are encouraged by the progress we're making — and will continue to build upon that success — but what's more important to us than any ranking, is how we are constantly finding the best ways to help our students and staff achieve the maximum level of success.'
Dr. James Wilcox, Superintendent of Schools echoed Brewer's sentiment, adding that '100 percent is our goal.'
'We understand the many challenges students face in reaching the final objective of graduation, and so we are always looking for how we can better serve the students in our care.'
The data collected by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute was compiled into the 2019 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps which 24/7 Wall St. reviewed to determine the high school graduation rates in U.S. Metro Areas.
Adults in the U.S. are far more likely to get a job if they received a high school diploma according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.