News Release


Graduation Rate Continues To Rise

McGuinty Government Building Future Prosperity Through Student Success

March 9, 2009

More students are graduating high school than ever before.

Last year, seventy-seven per cent of Ontario students graduated with a high school diploma, two percentage points more than in 2006-07. This represents an increase of nine percentage points – or 13,500 more students – compared to 2003-04.

Over the last five years, the province has introduced new programs that better engage high school students. Instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach, new programs allow students to customize their high school experience to match their strengths, interests and career goals. This creates a more engaging learning environment for students and better prepares them to pursue future opportunities beyond high school.

Ontario's higher graduation rate is building the foundation for a strong economy.  By obtaining a high school diploma, students are staying on the right path to gain the skills and experience required for the jobs of tomorrow.

Quote

"The future prosperity of Ontario relies on our young people. We must give them the tools they need to be successful after high school."
– Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Education

"The Ontario business community firmly believes that our province must focus on economic renewal and business competitiveness and an educated workforce is paramount to achieving that goal. Higher high school graduation numbers are an important step towards success in the global competition for skills."
– Len Crispino, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce

Quick Facts

  1. Since 2003-04, 36,000 additional students have achieved their high school diploma.
  2. The province remains committed to achieving an 85 per cent graduation rate by 2010-11.

Learn More

Watch a video about how new high school programs helped one student graduate.

Read about our unique Student Success Strategy programs including testimonials from students who have participated.

Find out more about the costs of dropping out of high school in a report by the Canadian Council on Learning.

See the Canadian Council on Learning's evaluation of the government's Student Success Strategy.

See also: