The Westfield High School Class of 2011 recorded a 93.2 percent graduation rate. This rate is well above the Indiana Department of Education’s goal of 90 percent. WHS has surpassed the goal each year since it was established in 2009.
The Class of 2011 earned more Core 40 and Academic Honors diplomas than the previous year. A Core 40 diploma requires students earn 40 credits in seven different areas: English/Language Arts (eight credits), Math (six credits), Science (six credits), Social Studies (6 credits), Directed Electives such as World Languages, Fine arts, etc. (five credits), PE & Health (four credits) and Electives (six credits).
To earn an Academic Honors diploma, students must complete one year of math beyond Algebra II and three years of one world language or two years each of two different languages while maintaining a B average or higher.
Although the rate is slightly lower than the previous year’s rate of 96.1 percent, the Class of 2011 had fewer students and more students earned Certificates of Completion. The certificates are issued to some students with individual education plans who complete their requirements, but cannot earn a regular diploma.
The IDOE’s Graduation Rate Performance Program recognizes students who graduate within four years and earn a high school diploma. Certificates of Completion do not count in the graduation rate.
Across the state, in 2010* about 84 percent of Indiana public high school students graduated in four years. Additionally 133 state high schools (36 percent) obtained a 90 percent graduation rate or higher last year*.
*The IDOE has not released the statewide numbers for 2011.