Norwalk-La Mirada Unified boosted its graduation rates in 2014-15 to 94 percent through initiatives that integrated digital tools into classrooms, enhanced curriculum to improve critical thinking and teamwork, and personalized learning to meet the needs of each student.

The boost represents a nearly 10 percent climb in graduation rates over five years.

“The District continues to strengthen our college and career pathways to ensure that all our students are offered as many opportunities as possible to discover their passions and obtain an education that supports their dreams,” NLMUSD Superintendent Dr. Hasmik Danielian said. “Congratulations to all of our esteemed Norwalk-La Mirada Unified graduates.”

The graduation rate for the District’s three comprehensive high schools reached 96.2 percent. La Mirada High has graduated its seniors consistently above 95 percent since 2009-10, climbing to 97.8 percent in 2014-15. Norwalk High jumped to 95.8 percent and John Glenn High graduated 94.7 percent.

Additionally, Southeast Academy, the District’s high school focused on careers in law enforcement, military and related fields, has graduated 100 percent of its senior class since 2008.

The rates are for a four-year cohort of students who enrolled in high school as freshmen in 2011-12. This is the sixth year California has used the method for measuring graduation rates, aided by a data system that tracks students when they switch schools, drop out or continue their education without graduating. The federal government now uses a similar four-year cohort model.

“By personalizing our approach to education, we are providing more and more opportunities for our students to excel,” NLMUSD Board President Karen Morrison said. “Our growing rate of students graduating high school is a testament to the excellent job being done by our dedicated teachers and staff.”

Norwalk-La Mirada continues to implement its 2020 Learning Initiative, which will provide students with the skills to use essential digital tools to increase their understanding of classroom subjects. By 2018, teachers, students and parents will have nearly real-time access to current data on student learning performance and will use that data to personalize teaching and learning.