The Prince George's County Education and Workforce Development Committee convened on June 30, 2025, to discuss the latest high school graduation report from Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS). This annual report, presented by Caleb Callender, an education and policy fellow, provides a comprehensive analysis of graduation rates from 2019 to 2024, highlighting trends across various demographics and schools.

The report reveals that four schools—Bowie High School, Charles Herbert Flowers High School, Frederick Douglass High School, and Gwen Park High School—boast graduation rates exceeding 90%. However, the overall graduation rates present a more nuanced picture. Female students consistently outperformed their male counterparts, with an average graduation rate of 83% compared to 72% for males over the six-year period.

Demographic analysis shows that Black students graduated at an average rate of 84%, aligning closely with the state average. In contrast, Hispanic students experienced a significant increase in graduation rates, rising from 63% to 71% between 2023 and 2024. This improvement is attributed to a growing number of multilingual learners entering the school system at younger ages, allowing for better language acquisition.

Asian students achieved the highest graduation rates at approximately 92%, while white students graduated at a rate of 82%. The report also highlights the challenges faced by economically disadvantaged students, who saw a decline in graduation rates during the COVID-19 pandemic but are beginning to recover, with gradual increases noted since 2022.

Students with disabilities displayed considerable variability in graduation rates across different schools, indicating a need for targeted support and resources.

The discussions during the meeting underscored the importance of these graduation statistics in shaping educational policies and interventions aimed at improving outcomes for all student groups. As the committee continues to monitor these trends, the focus will remain on addressing disparities and enhancing support for underrepresented and disadvantaged students in the county.