On Thursday, January 23rd, the Oregon Department of Education released graduation rates for school districts in Oregon. These are 2018-19 graduation rates.

The Pendleton School District’s graduation rate for 2018-2019 was 79.84%, compared to 81% the year before. This number includes Pendleton High School, Hawthorne High School and Nixya’awii Community School, a charter school. The statewide graduation rate for 2018-2019 was 80%. Chris Fritsch, district superintendent, said that although PSD’s numbers for 2018-2019 are short of district goals and expectations, there was some positive movement in some critical areas.

The graduation rate for Pendleton High School (PHS) for 2018-2019 was 89.32%. Although the high school’s rate has been flat the last two years, PHS still outpaces the state average by nearly 10 points. The rates for our Native American students, Low Socio Economic Status students and Hispanic students all exceeded the state average (the general state average of 80%). The 5-year completer rate was at 92% and the Drop-out rate was down to 1.66% from 1.99% the year prior.

Although the graduation rate at Hawthorne High School continues to lag behind, the 5-year completer rate has been at or above 50% the last two years. “We believe that the investments we have made recently and our future efforts will produce improved rates in the next three to five years,” said Superintendent Chris Fritsch.

“Overall we have a lot to be proud of here in Pendleton. I am proud of the work our staff is doing with our kids and am confident we are doing the right work to improve the success of all students in our district,” said Fritsch.