Hood River Valley High School’s graduation rate surpasses 90% for fifth consecutive year

“Graduation rates are one important measure of the impact our schools have on student success,” said Superintendent Bill Newton. “We are incredibly proud of our students for their perseverance and hard work. Their accomplishments reflect the dedication of our educators, the unwavering support of families, and the strong partnerships within our community.”

HRVHS offers various programs to help students stay on track to graduate and prepare for their future. These include the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, Advanced Placement (AP) and dual credit courses in partnership with Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC), the Hood River Options Academy (HROA) online program, engaging summer school and credit recovery opportunities, and comprehensive support for multilingual and migrant students. Additionally, 71% of HRVHS students take three or more college-level courses, ensuring they are well-prepared for post-secondary education. Furthermore, HRVHS students must earn 26.5 credits to graduate, a higher requirement than the state’s 24-credit standard, demonstrating the school’s commitment to academic rigor.

Equity and Student Success

HRVHS remains committed to closing opportunity gaps and ensuring all students graduate prepared for college, careers, and beyond. The school continues to see growth in key student groups:

• For the sixth consecutive year, the four-year graduation rate of Hispanic/Latino students exceeded 80%, reaching 86.72% compared to the state average of 78.6%.

• Emerging Bilingual students made remarkable progress, with a four-year graduation rate of 80.95%—a 13-point increase from last year and 13 percentage points higher than the state average.

• Students concentrating in an approved CTE program achieved a 100% graduation rate, underscoring the impact of career-focused education in preparing students for future success.

• The four-year graduation rate for students with disabilities has increased by 19 percentage points over the past decade, with an impressive 11-point jump in the past year alone. In 2023-24, 81.40% of HRVHS students with disabilities graduated, compared to 68.80% statewide.

HRVHS Principal Columba Jones emphasized the importance of Career and Technical Education in supporting student engagement and success.

“CTE integrates academic learning with hands-on experience, mentorship, and real-world skills,” said Jones. “Students gain valuable insights into their chosen fields through these programs and graduate with the tools they need to thrive in college and careers.”

A Community Effort

HRCSD remains committed to providing outstanding educational opportunities and ensuring every student has the support they need to reach their full potential. This milestone reflects the collective efforts of students, teachers, support staff, families, and community partners.

“Each educator, support staff member, and family in our school district plays a vital role in our students’ success,” said Newton. “While we celebrate this achievement, we remain focused on our mission: for every student to graduate from high school with the knowledge and courage to learn, serve, and pursue their dreams.”

As HRVHS continues to build on this success, the school district remains dedicated to equity, innovation, and excellence in education — ensuring that all students are prepared for bright and promising futures.