MORROW COUNTY — The Oregon Department of Education released the 2023-24 Morrow County School Districts graduation rates Thursday, Jan. 30, showing the district’s four-year graduation rates were above the state average. 

Statewide, 81.8% of students graduated with a standard diploma within four years. The four-year completion rate, which includes high school diplomas, modified diplomas and General Education Development certificates, goes up to 84.5%.

In Morrow County School Districts, 96.7% of students graduated with a standard diploma within four years. The four-year completion rate, which includes high school diplomas, modified diplomas and General Education Development certificates, goes up to 99.3%.  

“We are incredibly proud of the class of 2024. These students started their ninth grade year in a blended learning scenario with COVID restrictions,” The district said in a press release.

According to the school district’s press release, the building administration in all four high schools attributed the success of their graduates to strong systems of student support including individualized guidance counseling, staff relationships and monitoring that begins at the junior high level.

• Irrigon Jr./Sr. High School’s four-year student rate is 98.3%, with a four-year completion rate of 84.5%.
• Heppner Jr./Sr. High School four-year student rate is 100%, with a four-year completion rate of 100%.
• Riverside Jr./Sr. High School four-year student rate is 100%, with a four-year completion rate of 100%.
• Morrow Education Center four-year student rate is 73.3%, with a four-year completion rate of 93.3%.

Morrow County School Districts also achieved graduation rates above the state average across all demographics for the graduating class of 2024, according to the school district’s press release.

The district’s high graduation rates also extended to focus groups that traditionally have lower graduation rates than the general student population including Hispanic/Latino, economically disadvantaged, migrant, English language learners and students with disabilities.

The Wraparound Care program has had a tremendous benefit for families at all levels and is critical in supporting students through graduation, according to the school district. Wraparound Care is a team-based planning and problem-solving process that helps youth and their families struggling with emotional, mental and behavioral challenges.

Superintendent Matt Combe said Morrow County schools are fortunate to be able to offer families a wide variety of academic courses, co-curricular activities, workforce internships and early college credit that keep students challenged and engaged through graduation.