Cleveland Schools hit 90% graduation rate

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) – Officials with Cleveland City Schools are bragging about the latest graduation rates reported by the state.

Their new graduation rate is 90%, which is above the state average of 88.5%.

That marks a 4% increase from last year in Cleveland, 4 times the national and state average.

School officials credit their new hybrid alternative school, F.I. Denning Center of Technology & Careers.

“Our partnership with Lee University to secure tutors and the addition of a Career & Technical Education teacher have had a real impact in motivating students to work toward a diploma while at the same time looking to post-secondary opportunities,” says Denning Principal Barbara Ector.

The Denning Center’s graduation rate was combined with Cleveland High School to calculate the district’s 90% average.

Officials also credit the Climb Time (formerly “Connections) program at the high school and a focus on graduation beginning as early as 9th grade.

Cleveland High English Teacher Athena Davis says “When students feel safe, valued, and cared for, they will want to come to school. And when students are in school, we have won half the battle. The Connections program was essential in providing a non-adversarial advocate for each student within the walls of this building.”