Manatee County graduation rate increases, surpasses state average

Seniors in Manatee County are graduating at a higher rate than they have since 2010.

A report released today from the Florida Department of Education shows that the county's Class of 2015 saw a 2.2% increase, which equates to 77.9% of students graduating, from the Class of 2014. The number is higher than the statewide graduation average of 77.8%.

The county has seen continuous growth in graduation rates over the last five school years, a Manatee County School District press release said.

Previous county graduation rates include:

2010-2011: 64.7%

2011-2012: 76.2%

2012-2013: 76.8%

2013-2014: 75.7%

Aside from commending students for their hard work, Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene also congratulates principals and guidance counselors for their active involvement in students' educations.

"Guidance counselors are constantly in front of our students making sure they have the correct credits," Greene said. "They work as a team with our principals to make sure our students stay on track to graduate. The results we received today are a reflection of their hard work.”