The Niagara Catholic District School Board, principals, vice-principals and staff support all students from Kindergarten to Graduation: to achieve the Mission, Vision and Values of the Board, the System Priorities, the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations, and Ministry of Education requirements.
During the November 12 Committee of the Whole Board Meeting, Niagara Catholic proudly shared the graduation rates for the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 Grade 9 cohorts who graduated as part of the Class of 2023.
We’re excited to share that the four-year graduation rate for students who began Grade 9 in 2019-2020 was 89.2 percent, surpassing the provincial average by five percent. Meanwhile, the five-year graduation rate for the 2018-2019 cohort stood at 92.8 percent, which is three percent higher than the provincial average of 89.5 percent.
Graduation Rates as of August 31, 2023
Over the past eight years, Niagara Catholic has consistently maintained a graduation rate at least five percent higher than the provincial average for the four-year rate, and at least three percent higher for the five-year rate.
Throughout the presentation, Superintendent of Education Lee Ann Forsyth-Sells highlighted Niagara Catholic’s commitment to supporting students in both their academic success and overall well-being. The Board continues to focus on narrowing achievement gaps by enhancing student engagement, credit accumulation, and graduation rates, while ensuring successful transitions to post-secondary education and careers.
Niagara Catholic secondary schools offer a wide range of programs designed to foster student learning and global competencies. These programs allow students to personalize their educational experience based on their strengths, aspirations, and interests, all while working toward earning their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) courses are available in all Niagara Catholic secondary schools. The SHSM courses provide a variety of experiential learning opportunities for students, while earning credits for their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. As of October 31, 2024, for the 2024-2025 school year, 568 Grade 11 students and 752 Grade 12 students had registered in SHSM courses. To learn more about SHSM and other Niagara Catholic programs like Advanced Placement, click here.
Niagara Catholic’s dedicated staff Niagara Catholic have a crucial role in student success, providing the support needed to help students discover the right pathways for life beyond secondary school.