Local students are graduating at higher rates, with declines in absenteeism and suspensions, though academic performance still lags in some areas.
Here is the rundown 👇
Read this especially if you care about education trends, school performance metrics, or youth outcomes in Ventura County.
📍 What Just Happened
Results from the 2025 California Department of Education (CDE) “Dashboard” show that the overall high‑school graduation rate in Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) rose to 90.5 percent, a jump of 7.2 percentage points since 2021, and sits about 3 points above the statewide graduation rate.
Other measures also improved: chronic absenteeism dropped to 17.7 percent, and the county’s suspension rate declined to 2.7 percent.
The county also saw gains in test‑based performance: scores on the state’s math assessment rose by about 4 points since 2022, and English language arts scores climbed roughly 2.6 points since 2023, according to the same report.
📋 Key Details
- Graduation Rate 2025: 90.5 percent countywide.
- Absenteeism: Chronic absenteeism rate is 17.7 percent.
- Suspension Rate: Down to 2.7 percent.
- Academic Performance: Improvements in both mathematics and English language arts on state assessments.
- Recent Trend: Graduation rate has climbed steadily over recent years, showing recovery and progress after pandemic‑era lows.
🔍 Why This Matters
A high graduation rate suggests more students are finishing high school, which can lead to better job and college opportunities and reduce socioeconomic risks.
Lower absenteeism and suspension rates may signal improvements in school climate, student engagement, and support systems.
Gains in test scores show that academic recovery efforts, possibly after disruptions like the pandemic, may be working.
Even as performance improves, there remains work ahead to raise achievement to match or exceed statewide or national benchmarks, especially in core subjects.
🧠 The Bottom Line
Ventura County’s latest report shows multiple positive trends in education, more students are graduating, fewer are missing school or being suspended, and academic performance is inching up. These gains reflect efforts by educators and communities to support students’ success. The progress is promising but suggests continued focus is needed to further close achievement gaps.