If you have a child attending a French Catholic school, you can rest assured they will graduate.
Conseil scolaire catholique Providence tops this year's list of graduation rates across Ontario. After four years, 94.9% of students graduate, and after five the percentage is 97.3%.
The numbers are for the 2016 school year, and it is the second year in a row the board has come in number one.
The board serves an area stretching from Windsor to Woodstock and has 10,000 students in 23 elementary schools, seven high schools and one continuing education centre.
"These excellent results make it possible to confirm that the variety of initiatives placed at the forefront with regard to academic success is bearing fruit in our schools," says Director of Education Joseph Picard.
The number of students graduating at the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board climbed in 2016 with 84% of students completing their diploma over four years, and 89.3% over five years. That's up from 89% in 2015.
Board Chair Barb Holland says graduating high school plays a critical role in students' future outcomes.
"With our focus on innovative programming, we're ensuring that we're graduating students who are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today's job market," she says.
Executive Superintendent Emelda Byrne notes rates at her board, much like the rest of the province, have been on an upward trend over the last several years.
At the Greater Essex County District School Board, the numbers are slightly below the provincial average with 78.2% of students graduating after four years, and after five, 86.1% completing their diploma.
"It's an area where we continue to work. The work is showing," says Superintendent of Education Vicki Houston. "We know we still have a little more work to do."
This year's showing is more than 2% higher in both categories.
Provincially, 79.6% graduate after four years in high school, and 86.5% after five years.
