72,000 more Ontario high school students graduating

Premier Dalton McGuinty
News Release

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Ontario is becoming even more competitive now that more students are graduating from high school.

Graduation rates have risen in each of the last six years — going from 68 per cent in 2003–04 to 81 per cent in 2009–10. That’s an increase of 13 percentage points.

The increased graduation rate means about 72,000 more students have graduated than otherwise would have if rates had remained at the 2003-2004 level.

Programs such as Specialist High Skills Majors are one way the government is helping students stay in school and graduate.

Building a well-educated work force that helps Ontario compete in the global economy is part of Ontario’s plan to open the door to a bright future for high school graduates.

QUOTES

“From full-day kindergarten to higher graduation rates, we’re making sure our students get what they need to help Ontario succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy. I want to thank our students, teachers and parents for their achievements and for helping us build a stronger Ontario.”
— Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario

“Ensuring more students graduate high school is vital to Ontario’s economic growth. This is good news and we are definitely heading in the right direction.”
— Laura Albanese, MPP York South-Weston

QUICK FACTS

 Ontario is committed to reaching an 85 per cent graduation rate.

 There are now over 1,000 Specialist High Skills Major programs in 18 diverse areas including forestry, construction, aviation and sports.

 Staying in school until the age of 18 or graduation has been the law since 2006.

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