Hillsborough County Public Schools’ (HCPS) record-setting graduation rate for the 2024-25 academic year was fueled by standout performances at campuses across the district, including exceptional results at Newsome High School, South County Career Center and Armwood High School.
The district announced on Tuesday that its graduation rate climbed to 90.9 percent, the highest in HCPS history and a 2.9 percentage-point increase from the previous year. District leaders said the success reflects a focused effort to expand academic support, monitor student progress and ensure every senior has a clear pathway to a diploma.
Newsome High School once again ranked among the district’s top-performing campuses, posting a 98.6 percent graduation rate. School leaders credited strong academic expectations, student engagement and family partnerships for helping nearly all seniors complete their high school journey on time.
Significant improvement was also seen at South County Career Center, which recorded a 17.4 percentage-point increase in its graduation rate — one of the largest gains in the district. Officials said the increase highlights the impact of career-focused education combined with targeted academic support, helping students stay engaged while preparing for the workforce or postsecondary training.
Armwood High School was another bright spot, achieving a 7.6 percent increase in its graduation rate over the previous year. District leaders praised the school’s staff for identifying students in need of additional support and connecting them with resources such as credit recovery, tutoring and graduation planning.
Superintendent Van Ayres said the success at these schools illustrates the district’s broader strategy of meeting students where they are.
“Whether it’s a high-performing traditional high school like Newsome, a career-focused campus like South County or a comprehensive high school like Armwood, the common thread is a commitment to student success,” Ayres said. “These gains mean more students are crossing the stage and stepping into their futures.”
Districtwide strategies contributing to the improved outcomes include free test preparation and testing opportunities, junior and senior academic checks, credit recovery programs, summer learning and the Graduation Advancement Program. The district’s Graduation Task Force also continues to meet monthly to track individual student progress and address barriers such as attendance, housing instability and family communication.
Officials said the achievements at Newsome, South County Career Center and Armwood demonstrate how targeted support and dedicated educators can make a measurable difference in student outcomes.
