Cinnaminson Has Highest Grad Rate in County, Region

Cinnaminson once again has the highest graduation rate in Burlington County, as well as the highest high school graduation rate in the tri-county area, according to numbers released by the state Department of Education. 

The graduation rate increased by slightly more than 1 percentage point, from 96.68 in 2012 to 97.98 in 2013. 

Cinnaminson's rate surpassed several other high-performing high schools in the county, including Moorestown (97.53 percent), Shawnee (97.01) and Cherokee (96.39).

"We're very proud," said Superintendent Salvatore Illuzzi. 

Cinnaminson also had the highest graduation rate among all high schools in Camden and Gloucester counties. Cherry Hill High School East was second with 97.74. The school with the highest rate in the tri-county area was the Gloucester County Institute of Technology, with 99.55 percent.

This is the third year in a row the state is using the new federal methodology for calculating the graduation rate. The formula takes into account students who enter the high school in ninth grade and those students who left the district. It also counts students who have transferred in or out during the course of the year.

According to Illuzzi, Cinnaminson has had a 100 percent graduation rate among students who stay at the high school for the last several years. The 97.98 comes from students who transfer to other schools, who either don't graduate, or who the district loses track of.

"What it means is our kids are staying in our district, and graduating from our district, which is really what you want," said Illuzzi.

Here's how other nearby districts did:

• Delran High School — 93.72 percent (2012 — 88.19)
• Maple Shade High School — 86.96 (2012 — 90.64)
• Palmyra High School — 86.75 (2012 — 86.05)