The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) recently released graduation rates, showing an overall improvement throughout the Heart of Virginia.

According to a press release from VDOE, of the 95,348 students in the Class of 2017, 91.1 percent earned a Board of Education-approved diploma, compared with 91.3 percent in 2016. The dropout rate for the Class of 2017 was 5.8 percent, compared with 5.3 percent for the previous graduating class.

Buckingham County Public Schools (BCPS) dropout rate for 2017 was 4.2 percent compared to 6.9 percent in 2016. The on-time graduation rate for 2017 was 94.4 percent compared to 91 percent in 2016.

“We continue to embrace open communication with our families in grades PreK-12 to ensure we keep positive supports for our children throughout the entire school experience,” BCPS Division Superintendent Dr. Cecil Snead said. “We hope that the continued authentic partnerships with our families support our students in any capacity, including decreasing dropout rates.”

He said the division believes that the graduation completion index (GCI) of 94 percent is indicative of these positive relationships.

“As long as our staff and families support one another, our students will continue to benefit,” Snead said.

Cumberland County Public Schools’ (CCPS) dropout rate for 2017 was 4 percent compared to 5.8 percent in 2016. The on-time graduation rate was 94 percent in 2017 compared to 91.3 percent in 2016.

“We are pleased that our graduation rates continue to increase,” said CCPS Division Superintendent Dr. Amy Griffin. “We have become diligent in personalizing and creating a purpose for students to graduate on time with their peers.”

Prince Edward County Public Schools’ (PECPS) dropout rate for 2017 was 3.7 percent and the on-time graduation rate was 93.2 percent. In 2016, the on-time graduation rate was 90.4 percent and the dropout rate was 6.6 percent. According the PECPS Director of Accountability and Research Dr. Greg Wheeler, the credit for the improvements belongs to the guidance counselors, administrators and teachers of Prince Edward County High School.

“The entire staff at the high school has worked extremely hard to provide the support necessary to ensure all students graduate on time,” Wheeler said.