Return to Headlines

Historic Graduation Rates

Despite the massive challenges we’ve encountered over the last several years, more Medford School District students graduated in 2022 than in any previous year in Medford School District’s history!

 

The Oregon Department of Education released statewide graduation rates today and our districtwide four year graduation rate increased five percentage points over last year, from 82.4% to 87.2%. Of the ten largest districts in the state, MSD is in the top three for students graduating in four years. 

We are grateful to the many individuals who contributed to this achievement! Our educators and staff dedicate themselves daily to student success; our students work tirelessly, often overcoming many obstacles to get to the finish line; and our families endlessly support their students to meet their goals. 

And of course, no one is satisfied with 87.2% because it does not meet our goal of EVERY student crossing the stage with options open and hopeful. Thank you for your continued work as we move ever closer to that goal!  

Here are a few strategies helping students graduate on time:

  • We have increased our focus on credit retrieval through extended learning opportunities in school, after school, and during the school day. 

  • Medford Online Academy is a newer option that allows students to accrue credit at a faster pace.

  • High schools continue to identify and meet students' needs prior to referring them to credit retrieval options. 

  • We are working to systematize our curriculum, student engagement, and family involvement to increase student success from kindergarten through twelfth grade. 

And while all of those strategies will continue, we recognize that we still have work to do. We are committed to:

  • Improving our districtwide systems to identify students by name, strength, and need, and doing something about it as early as possible.

  • Increasing project-based learning opportunities through a revitalized Central Medford High School and providing multiple roads to graduation for all students. 

  • Improving the student experience by working with our schools on instructional strategies that engage students in the classroom.