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systems in Virginia had a lower percentage of drop-outs than Rappahannock during 1977-78 for grades 8-12.
Only 4.2 per cent of the total high school enrollment quit due to achievement, behavior, health or financial problems. This figure compares favorably to dropout percentages in other counties—6.0 for Culpeper, 5.7 for Fauquier, 8.0 for Madison, 7.2 for Orange and 6.4 for Warren.
In a comparison of 1977-78 high school graduates with 1974 fall membership in the ninth grade, Rappahannock doesn’t come off well. Only 59.6 per cent of the county’s 1974 ninth graders graduated in 1978—the 11th lowest percentage in the state.
By comparison, 81.6 per cent of the 1974 ninth graders in Culpeper graduated, 79.3 per cent in Fauquier, 68.3 in Madison, 61.4 in Orange and 79.8 in Warren.
According to Dr. William Bloomer, superintendent of schools for Rappahannock, the highest number of dropouts occurs in ninth and tenth grade as youngsters pass the mandatory school attendance age of 17.
In an area like Rappahannock where the average population has a relatively low level of educational attainment, said Bloomer, community and family expectations are lower. He added that limited opportunities in alternative education also influenced dropout rates.
Of Rappahannock’s 197778 graduates, 25.8 per cent continued on to a four-year or two-year college. Surrounding counties had a higher percentage of collegebound seniors with 32.3 per cent in Culpeper going on to higher education, 43.1 per cent in Fauquier, 31.2 in Madison, 29.7 per cent in Orange and 41 per cent in Warren.
96.0%