- School graduation rates increase as three-year graduation plans take effect for all grade 10-12 students

More students crossed a high school stage last spring to receive a Dogwood Diploma than ever before in School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake). 

“Every one of the 13 years a child spends in school is important and a key step toward the goal of seeing that student graduate from high school. That our graduation rates continue to improve is a testament to the hard work of every educator and every employee in our district and the quality of education across SD8. High rates of school completion are also evidence of great cooperation within and between our families of schools and all staff who support them,” said Superintendent Trish Smillie.

Data from the 2023-2024 school year shows a 91% graduation or “completion” rate, up ten per cent from five years ago in the 2019-2020 school year. This places SD8 three per cent above the provincial average of 88%.   

The upward trend also applies to Indigenous student graduation rates. Last year, 93% cent of Indigenous students graduated, an 18% increase from five years ago, and well above the provincial average of 74%. 

Students with diverse abilities are also completing high school at higher rates than in years past. In all, 78% of students with diverse abilities completed grade 12 last year, two per cent higher than the provincial average of 76%. 

“I know I speak for every trustee on our Board when I say how gratifying it is to see concrete evidence that most students in SD8 are completing their education. We will continue to work toward every student in SD8 graduating from school with the intellectual, social and emotional and career skills they need to succeed in life. We know we’re heading in the right direction, and it feels great to say that. My heartfelt thanks to all SD8 staff, students and their families, and to our board for collectively setting a positive direction for the district,” said Board Chair Dawn Lang.

Secondary schools develop a three-year graduation plan for each student and that plan is updated and reviewed three times annually by the school and district academic review team. The graduation program sets the requirements to exit the K-12 education system and ensures students are graduating with the knowledge, competencies, and skills they will need to transition successfully into higher education, training or the workforce.

About School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake): Located in the southern Interior of British Columbia, SD8 serves numerous diverse communities in the Kootenays including Crawford Bay, Creston, Kaslo, Meadow Creek, Nelson, Salmo, Slocan, South Slocan, Winlaw, Wynndel, and Yahk. We also serve students across B.C. through our provincial online learning school, Elev8. Our dedicated team focuses on providing the best possible educational opportunities for over 4,700 students and their families. Our mission is to inspire and support each learner to thrive in a caring learning environment.