ST. GEORGE — Last spring 47,487 students graduated from Utah’s public high schools, highlighting a significant upward trend in the state’s graduation rates. On the southern end of the state, graduation rates in Washington and Iron counties exceed the state average.

The number of students who graduated represents the sixth straight year of high school graduation rates increasing in Utah. Overall, the graduation rate has risen to 87 percent of students who entered schools as freshmen four years earlier, compared to 81 percent in 2013.

According to data from Utah State Board of Education, Washington County School District remained at an 89 percent graduation rate in 2018, while Iron County School District had a 90 percent graduation rate, a 3 percent increase from 2017.

In 2018, Desert Hills High School had the highest number of graduates in Washington County — 468, and Cedar City High School had the highest number of graduates in Iron County with 277.

Minority student graduation rates, however, have risen much faster. Between 2013 and 2018, students who identify as Hispanic have achieved a 10 percent increase in high school graduation and now have a 78 percent graduation rate. Students who identify as American Indian have increased graduation rates by 12 percent to 77 percent in that same time frame. Students who identify as Asian have increased graduation rates from 79 percent in 2013 to 92 percent this year, giving those students the highest graduation rate in the state.

“I am heartened to see Utah’s educational outcomes improving over time,” said Sydnee Dickson, state superintendent of public instruction. “Achievement gaps still exist, but they are narrowing, and that is good news for Utah students and for the future of our state.”

For more detailed information on graduation rates in Utah for 2018, click here.

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