HCSD Sees Increased Graduation Rates Across All Schools in 2024-25 FLDOE Report

Brooksville, FL —The Florida Department of Education has released its annual report of graduation rates and the Hernando School District's 2024 -25 graduation rate is 93.5%, a 5.4% increase from the district's 2023-24 graduation rate. This increase puts the district above the state's 92.2% average for 24-25. All High Schools in the district showed improvement with state data showing HCSD exceeded the state's average across multiple subgroups.

 

“Our school’s unwavering commitment to student success and post-secondary readiness has been a key contributing factor to the significant increase in our graduation rate,” said Gina Michalicka, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning.

 

Central High School had the largest increase in the county at 8.8%.

 

Kelly Slusser, principal of Central High School, believes the 8.8% increase in graduation rate can be attributed to the strong systems and procedures they have incorporated, particularly around student tracking and intentional instruction.

 

“We consistently talk with students about their post-secondary plans—whether college, career, or military—so they see a clear path forward and understand that graduation is the gateway to their goals.”

 

High school rates throughout the district:

• Hernando High increased 2.2% to 91.3%

• Nature Coast Technical increased 1.4% to 95.3%

• Springstead High increased 4.7% to 94.8%

• Hernando eSchool increased 3.2% to 100%.

• Central increased 8.8% to 95%.

• Weeki Wachee increased 8.1% to 95.6%.

 

The district exceeded the state federal graduation rate by 1.3% and improved its overall federal graduation rate by 5.4%. HCSD also had increases in its Exceptional Student Education federal graduation rate and English Language Learners federal graduate rate which rose by 6.9% and 2.3% respectively.

 

Michalicka says the district has seen success in graduation rate increases due to continuous family communication, increased student engagement initiatives, and a focus on college and career readiness opportunities.

 

The district will look to continue the upward trend as graduation soon approaches for this year.

 

“To continue improving our graduation rates county-wide, we will maintain a proactive, student-centered approach by closely monitoring progress and ensuring students receive the supports they need to be successful,” said Michalicka.