Most Utah high schools have a high graduation rate
May 22, 2023, 5:05 PM | Updated: 5:53 pm
High School graduation is underway across the state. Utah typically falls in the upper 80% for graduation rate. Photo: Canva
SALT LAKE CITY — High School graduation is underway this week across the state of Utah.
Viewmont High School counselor, Spencer Keddington says 90% of the school’s seniors will graduate. That number will likely go up since students still have a couple of days to complete any work that needs to be done.
“We will be over 90%,” Keddington said. “We’re right there right now but we know kids are still finishing things up.”
Utah typically falls in the upper 80% for graduation rate. This is very similar to the national rate of 86%, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics.
However, Keddington said the statistics and percentages aren’t the focus for him and his fellow counselors.
“Graduation rate is just a result of taking each individual student and providing them with the things that they need so that they can find success, ” he said.
There are still options for those not able to graduate.
“It’s so specific on each individual student,” Keddington said. “The GED is an option as well as going through our Adult Ed program and getting an adult education diploma.”
He says Viewmont High has credit recovery programs for students who need to make up credits beforehand in order to graduate.
According to Keddington, the main reasons students struggle to graduate are health issues, family problems and mental health issues.
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