Image by Flickr user JMaz Photo

On-time graduation rates for a majority of the state’s high schools – and for the state as a whole – declined on annual report cards released today by the South Carolina Department of Education. Despite on-time graduation rates falling, overall high school and district ratings improved.

The state’s 2010 graduation rate, which tracks the percentage of students who complete high school “on time” and get a diploma in four years, fell 1.6% to 72.06%, compared to 73.7% the previous year. Male students accounted for the largest decline – 2.6% – compared to a decrease of 0.5% for females. The graduation rate fell 1.55% for white students. The rate for African-American students was down 1.1%.

As for overall high school and district ratings, the state generally had better report cards when compared to 2009. More high schools had Absolute ratings of Excellent, Good, or Average, up from 154 schools. Furthermore, the number of high schools with lower ratings of Below Average or At-Risk dropped from 43 in 2009 to 30.

For additional facts and numbers, take a read of the official South Carolina Department of Education report.