Queensbury’s graduation rate increased to 92% for the 2021-22 school year, according to a report released Thursday by the state Department of Education. Queensbury’s graduation rate is above the state average of 87%.
“We are proud to say that our graduation rate increased this year to 92%,” said Superintendent Kyle Gannon. “We are very pleased with the perseverance of our faculty, staff and students.”
Queensbury’s previous graduate rate was 88%.
The graduation rate is calculated by dividing the number of students in the total graduation rate cohort as of June 30, 2022 or August 31, 2022 with a Regents or local diploma by the number of students in the total graduation rate cohort as of June 30, 2022.
Queensbury also saw a jump in graduation rates for students with disabilities.
Queensbury High School Principal Andy Snide attributed some of Queensbury’s rate increase to the Bridges program, now in its third year, which targets 12 students from each grade in the high school and creates small group instruction with extra support.
“Those are 12 kids every year that were either dropping out or going into our GED program,” Snide said, adding that now those students are going to graduate with their cohorts. “You tailor it to what the kids are comfortable with, and they’re seeing huge successes.”
Queensbury UFSD has also worked to focus on increasing student engagement, including a student campaign last year to get involved and stay involved in sports, music and extracurricular activities.
“We believe students invested in the school community will thrive academically and socially,” Gannon said.