Graduation rate continues to climb

Limestone Learning Foundation
Graduation rate continues to climb
Posted on 09/11/2019
Image of graduates throwing their mortar boards in the air.Students in the Limestone District School Board continue to successfully graduate in high numbers 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 85.5 % - an increase of 6% over seven years. The provincial and Limestone goal is to reach a graduation rate of 85%. We are very pleased that Limestone continues to exceed the provincial goal of achieving an 85% graduation rate.

The graduation rate is calculated based on a cohort (group) of students who entered Grade 9 together in 2013-2014 and graduated with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) by 2017-2018. 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 passed away, before graduation are not included in the rate.

For students who stay with Limestone from Grade 9 through graduation, the graduation rate is even higher at 86.5%.

"We are once again 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 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:
Jane Douglas, Communications officer
Communications Officer
613-544-6925 x 311 | 613-328-0916 mobile
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.