Press Release
More Ontario high school students are graduating.
Last year, 79 percent of Ontario students graduated with a high school diploma.
Since 2003-04, increases in the graduation rate have resulted in some 52,500 more young Ontarians earning a high school diploma.
The Ontario government has been working hard since 2003 to increase graduation rates through a number of initiatives, such as specialist high skills majors, expanded co-op, and dual credits.
Higher graduation rates are part of the province’s new “Open Ontario Plan,” which is about creating jobs and opportunities for more Ontarians and building a well-educated workforce.
Working with students, teachers, and parents, the government has reduced class sizes, raised test scores, and created thousands of new spaces in colleges, universities, and apprenticeships.
“Raising the graduation rate is all about unleashing the potential of our young people—to build a good life for themselves and a stronger Ontario for us all,” said Premier Dalton McGuinty.
“I want to thank our teachers, students, and parents for rising to this challenge and helping our province succeed in the high-skill, knowledge-based economy,” he added.
“Student achievement is a top priority for our government,” echoed Education minister Leona Dombrowsky.
“A high school diploma is the pinnacle of achievement for a young adult,” she noted. “This is why we are focused on raising the graduation rate.
“A well-educated workforce is critical to advanced manufacturers and our province’s economic future,” said Ian Howcroft, vice-president (Ontario Division), Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.
“Ontario’s manufacturers benefit from a higher graduation rate because it means our province’s workers have the skills needed for our high-tech businesses,” he remarked.
The province remains committed to achieving an 85 percent graduation rate by 2010-11.
Studies from the U.S. and U.K., Ireland, and Canada show an additional year of education increases annual earnings by about 10-14 percent.
