January 28, 2026
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
Graduation rates increased for African American students, students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and students with disabilities, mirroring statewide improvements.
UPPER MARLBORO, Md., January 28, 2026 — Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) sustained progress in graduation outcomes in 2025, with the district’s graduation rate at 79 percent, according to data released this week by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
While the 2025 graduation rate of 79 percent reflects a slight dip from last year’s historic high of 80.02 percent, it represents a significant and sustained increase from the district’s 2023 graduation rate of 74.38 percent, demonstrating long-term growth and stability across the system.
PGCPS’ results closely align with statewide trends reported by MSDE, including notable year-over-year gains among African American students, students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and students with disabilities — student groups that also saw improvement at the state level.
“These results affirm that when we stay focused on what matters most — student belonging, high expectations, and clear pathways beyond high school — our students rise,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph. “College and career readiness is one of our big rocks. Through expanded internships, dual enrollment, and real-world learning experiences, we are creating clear pathways to college, high-wage careers, and the 4Es: ensuring every graduate is enrolled, enlisted, employed, or on the path to entrepreneurship.”
Several student groups showed improvement year over year:
These gains reflect targeted supports, expanded academic and career pathways, and a continued focus on equity and access across PGCPS schools.
Twelve PGCPS high schools improved graduation rates from 2024 to 2025, with several posting especially strong gains:
The district will continue strengthening academic achievement and graduation outcomes by scaling high-impact strategies aligned to student success beyond high school.
“Our work does not stop at graduation,” Dr. Joseph added. “Our goal is to ensure every student leaves us prepared — not just with a diploma, but with purpose, options, and a future they can see themselves in.”
Statewide and local data on four-year and five-year cohort graduation rates, as well as the four-year cohort dropout rate, can be found on the Maryland Report Card website.
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