Limestone graduation rate surpasses provincial target

Limestone Learning Foundation
Limestone graduation rate surpasses provincial target
Posted on 05/09/2017
Mortar board and diploma
More students in the Limestone District School Board are graduating than ever before as a result of focused efforts by educators and engaging specialty programs aimed at helping students achieve success whatever their strengths, interests and career goals.

Limestone's current five-year graduation rate is 86% - an increase of 6% over five years. The provincial rate is 86.5%. The provincial and Limestone goal is to reach a graduation rate of 85%.

The graduation rate is calculated based on a cohort (group) of students who entered Grade 9 together in 2011-2012 and graduated with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) by 2015-2016. The figure takes into account all students who began their Grade 9 year in Limestone but also includes students who moved to another school district in Ontario to continue their schooling, and students who no longer attend school for one reason or another. Students who have moved out of province, or died, before graduation are not included in the rate.

Students that remained in Limestone throughout their secondary school had an even higher graduation rate of 87%.

"As a district, we are pleased to continue to exceed our target of 85%,” says Debra Rantz, Director of Education. "Our five-year graduation rate remains strong, and we are pleased to see the number of students who graduate within five years continue to increase.”

Limestone has seen a steady improvement in the number of high school graduates over the past several years. Looking at the graduation outcomes for the students in the 2011-2012 cohort, 81% earned their diploma within four years – an increase of 8% over the last four years - with an additional 5% earning their diploma in year five. Additionally, seven students earned an Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC) or a Certificate of Accomplishment (COA).

The LDSB continues to support students requiring additional time to complete their diploma requirements. Programs are also in place to re-engage students that left school prior to earning their OSSD. The LDSB remains committed to the success of all students. Programs designed to support student success such as Dual-Credits, Youth Apprenticeship, School Within a College, Focus Programs and Specialist High Skills Majors have continued to engage students and assist them in achieving their goals. Our staff in all schools remains committed to providing the necessary supports to all students to ensure they are successful.

“Our goal in Limestone is to ensure students are successful in whatever pathway they choose,” says Rantz. “Our educators continue to support students so they may obtain a diploma or certificate and have every opportunity to achieve their full potential, whatever their goal when leaving Limestone.”

To earn an OSSD, students must successfully complete 30 credits (18 compulsory courses and 12 optional courses of their choice), achieve a passing grade in the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test and complete 40 hours of voluntary community service.

For more information, please contact:
Karen Smith, Communications Officer
613-544-6925 x 314 | 613-328-0947 mobile

The Limestone District School Board is situated on traditional territories of the Anishinaabe & Haudenosaunee.