Breaking down Idaho's 'go-on rates:' some local numbers

Here’s another cut at the 2020 go-on rates — a look at district- and school-level data.

As Idaho Education News first reported earlier this month, only 38 percent of Idaho’s high school graduates continued their education last fall. That translates into a 7 percentage point drop in the state’s “immediate,” spring-to-fall go-on rate, and pencils out to a difference of about 1,400 students.

Last week, Idaho Education News reported that the go-on rates dropped across every demographic group.

While these go-on numbers revealed some sharp decreases — a possible outgrowth from the coronavirus pandemic — the district- and school-level data isn’t quite as surprising. These numbers follow some trends that have played out in past years.

Top performers

The Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy, a perennial top performer, had the highest go-on rate for any high school with 25 graduates or more.

Here’s the top five (with district, where applicable): Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy, 80.9 percent; Genesee School (Genesee School District), 78.6 percent; Meridian Medical Arts Charter School, 74.3 percent; Liberty Charter School, Nampa, 66.7 percent; Renaissance High School (West Ada School District), 61.5 percent.

Meanwhile, the state’s top performing district was northcentral Idaho’s Cottonwood School District.

The top five districts and charters: Cottonwood, 86.4 percent; Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy, 80.9 percent; Genesee, 78.6 percent; North Star Charter School, Eagle, 77.3 percent; Cambridge, 71.4 percent.

The numbers for the tiny Cambridge district point up a reporting anomaly. Cambridge had only seven graduates in 2020 — and normally, the state does not release data for groups of fewer than 10 students. Idaho Education News appealed this policy and the state now releases graduation and go-on rates for all high schools and charters, regardless of size.

Low go-on rates

Again in 2020, alternative high schools and virtual charters account for the state’s lowest go-on rates. This year the state had 24 high schools with a 0 percent go-on rate.

But two large eastern Idaho districts had go-on rates well below the statewide average: Jefferson (24.4 percent) and Madison (20.7 percent). These numbers aren’t a new development either. Eastern Idaho’s immediate go-on rates usually lag behind the statewide numbers, since a large number of graduates go from high school to a mission with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.