Newsweek analyzed the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau to determine which of New York’s 62 counties had the highest percentage of dropouts. Among the counties with the highest percentage of residents without a high school diploma were three located in New York City—Bronx County, Queens County, and Kings County. Smaller counties like Yates and Seneca also had a high percentage of residents without at least a high school diploma. On the other hand, rural counties with populations of less than 200,000 had the lowest number of high school dropouts, with Tompkins County having the least at just 3.4 percent.
In 2023, New York had a high school graduation rate of 86.4 percent—slightly down from the previous year. The state has seen its graduation rate increase by 7.3 percent over the past decade, according to data released by the state Education Department in March. The data also showed significant disparities in graduation rates among different student demographics, with White students having a graduation rate of 91 percent, compared to 81 percent for Black and Hispanic students. Students with disabilities, those who were homeless, and those in foster care had even lower graduation rates.
The state Education Department hopes that implementing changes recommended by the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures will help improve outcomes for all students, including the most vulnerable. New York, along with other states, is working to help children recover from learning setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts have warned that students who drop out of high school could face negative consequences well into adulthood. Research has shown that individuals who drop out are more likely to receive government assistance, be fired multiple times, and be arrested since age 18.
The department noted that many of the students graduating in 2023 entered high school in 2019 and saw their schooling disrupted significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. New York and other states are working to help children recover from the learning setbacks as a result of the pandemic. Experts have warned that some children may never catch up on their schooling, and rates of chronic absenteeism have shot up in recent years. Jennifer Lansford, a research professor of public policy at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University, emphasized the long-term negative consequences for individuals, families, and society as a whole who drop out of high school.
Overall, New York and other states are making efforts to improve graduation rates and outcomes for all students, including those who are most vulnerable. There is a focus on addressing disparities in graduation rates among different student populations and implementing changes to create a more inclusive learning environment while maintaining rigor. The goal is to ensure that all students are prepared for college, career, and civic readiness in the 21st century and beyond. The long-term consequences of dropping out of high school are significant, and efforts are being made to prevent this outcome and support all students in their educational journey.
