Memphis High School Grad Rates Rise and Equal Nashville's

According to the Wednesday, January 16, 2008 edition of The Commerial Appeal, Memphis city school high school graduation rates rose by 2.4 percent in the 2006-07 school year. The graduation rate rose to 69.9 percent. While that rate needs to be higher, it is great news that the graduation rate is higher. Some perspective is also important. Nashville's high school graduation rate for the same year was 70 percent. Thus, Memphis and Nashville public schools are graduating seniors at almost the exact same rate. Public education here isn't what it can be but it isn't as bad as some would make it appear. The city school system still has high performing schools such as Grahamwood Elementary, White Station Optional and Central High School. There are also great optional programs at a number of other city schools. The good news is that we're getting better and when put in perspective with our peer cities we're doing just fine.