Yonkers Only Large City District to Graduate Over 80%

86% of Yonkers Class of 2018 Graduated On Time – Cohort 2014

Graduation rate surpasses NYS and Big 5 averages

Dropout rate lower than NYS and Big 5 averages

(YONKERS, NY) On January 30, 2019, the New York State Education Department released the 2018 graduation data. “Once again, it is my pleasure to report that Yonkers Public Schools’ graduation rate is 86% with our August graduates and our students surpassed the statewide August rate of 83%,” announced Yonkers Board of Education President Rev. Steve Lopez. “The Trustees commend the outstanding work of our Superintendent Dr. Quezada, his instructional team, school administrators, teachers and, most importantly, the diligent effort of our students.”

“I am extremely proud of the work that is being accomplished in our high schools. Yonkers outperforms urban school districts across the state and our students’ on time graduation rate is aligned with the statewide average,” stated Dr. Edwin M. Quezada, Superintendent of Schools. “It is the August on time graduation rate which truly reveals that our students continue to demonstrate they are on the positive path towards graduation as well as college and career readiness. By giving our students an additional two months of support to achieve graduation requirements, they make significant progress. Yonkers’ on time graduation rate was able to increase by 6 percentage points to 86% from June to August. Even more impressive is how this extra time escalates achievement for our subgroups resulting in graduation rate increases. Yonkers English Language Learners graduation rate is 56% and our Students with Disabilities attained a 58% rate. These subgroups achieved higher on time graduation rates than all other large urban communities in New York. Similarly, on time graduation rates for Black students is 79.6% and for Hispanic students it is 85.6%; they also surpassed all large urban communities. This trend continues through the work that we do to ensure our students remain in school. Yonkers drop our rate for the 2014 Cohort was 3.0% as compared to 6% for New York State.”

“We are proud our Yonkers Public Schools students continue to achieve despite the chronic underfunding to education by New York State,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “While it seems we’ve reached our capacity of success, I can only imagine what our students could accomplish if our District was provided the funding they so desperately need and deserve. I congratulate the dedication of the Yonkers Board of Trustees, the Superintendent and the wonderful administration staff and teachers who commit themselves each day to the successes of our schools and who work tirelessly to ensure our students reach their fullest potential.”