NY high school graduation rate rises after school closures

John Sileo, Wantagh High School Class of 2020 Co-President poses in front of a sign on the grass as graduating Seniors from Wantagh High School drive by the front of the school and their teachers cheer for them on May 15, 2020 in Wantagh, New York.
John Sileo, Wantagh High School Class of 2020 Co-President poses in front of a sign on the grass as graduating Seniors from Wantagh High School drive by the front of the school and their teachers cheer for them on May 15, 2020 in Wantagh, New York. Photo credit Al Bello/Getty Images

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- New York's high school graduation rate improved slightly following the shift to remote learning and cancellation of Regents exams, the state reported Thursday.

The statewide graduation rate for the class of 2020 was 84.8%, up 1.4 percentage points from the previous year, according to Education Department data.

State officials said the graduation rate was improved - but could not say to what extent - by the cancellation of end-of-year Regents exams after the coronavirus pandemic forced schools to pivot to distance learning in March.

Among city schools, Buffalo reported the greatest improvement, posting a 76.3% graduation rate, up 11.6 percentage points over the class of 2019. Syracuse (70.7%), Rochester (68.2%), Yonkers (90.6%) and New York City (78.8%) also reported higher graduation rates than the previous year.

The rates for English language learners and students with disabilities also improved.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Al Bello/Getty Images