The Grants Pass School District 7 is celebrating impressive gains in its graduation rates for the 2023-24 school year, underscoring the district’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and student success. This marks a significant achievement for the district, as it continues to surpass expectations and break new records.
For the second consecutive year, Grants Pass High School (GPHS) has reached its highest-ever graduation rate, recording an impressive 93.9% for its four-year graduation rate. This marks a notable increase over the state average of 81.8%, reflecting the school’s strong performance in preparing students for post-graduation success. Additionally, GPHS achieved a 94.9% four-year completer rate, which includes students who earned their GED, highlighting the district’s dedication to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to complete their education, no matter their path.
Grants Pass High School Principal Michele Napier expressed pride in the achievement, noting that the record-breaking graduation rate is a testament to the collaboration among students, families, and the school’s staff. “Reaching an all-time high graduation rate is a testament to the incredible partnership between our dedicated students, their supportive families, and our committed staff,” Napier said. “Our commitment to AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) school-wide has equipped our students with the skills to be successful in and out of the classroom.”
The district has also seen success through various support programs, such as the 9th Grade On Track initiative, Reach for Success, and Transition Achievement and Positive Strategies (TAPS), which are designed to support students throughout their academic careers. These programs, combined with the wide range of extracurricular opportunities available in music, Career & Technical Education (CTE), sports, and other activities, have fostered a rich environment that encourages personal growth.
The success is not limited to just the high school. Grants Pass Flexible Learning EXperience (GPFLEX) achieved a graduation rate of 82.9%, providing alternative, flexible learning opportunities for students who may need a different approach to reach their academic potential. Gladiola High School, the district’s alternative education campus, also saw substantial improvement, with its four-year completer rate increasing from 65.55% to 71.7% in just one year.
Overall, the district’s four-year graduation rate for the 2023-24 school year reached 79.4%, marking the highest rate on record for the district. The four-year completer rate, which includes those who earn a diploma or GED, was 88.4%. These results reflect the district’s continued focus on providing tailored support and interventions to meet the diverse needs of all students.
Superintendent Tim Sweeney praised the collective efforts of the district, noting that these improvements are the result of hard work across all grade levels. “These improvements are not just statistics; they reflect the hard work and dedication of our entire K-12 system, from early childhood education through high school,” Sweeney said. “This success is the result of the collective efforts across all grade levels, where each member of our community—students, families, staff, and programs—plays an integral role in helping our students prepare for their futures.”
Trisha Evens, Director of Secondary Education, emphasized the importance of the district’s collaborative approach in achieving these gains. “The improvements we’re seeing in graduation rates result from tireless collaboration among our staff, the programs we offer, and the support we provide each student,” Evens said. “We are committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive, academically, socially, and emotionally, as they prepare for life after high school.”
As Grants Pass School District 7 continues to build on this success, it remains focused on providing every student with the tools they need to succeed, both during their time in school and beyond.