More caps and gowns: Marietta High School's graduation rate increased

International Baccalaureate graduate Juanita Londono (left), shown at this year’s Marietta High School graduation, was a member of the National Honor Society, the Math Honor Society, the Beta Club and the Kitty Hawk Honor Society and was a varsity cross country and track athlete. CONTRIBUTED BY JOHNNY WALKER

International Baccalaureate graduate Juanita Londono (left), shown at this year’s Marietta High School graduation, was a member of the National Honor Society, the Math Honor Society, the Beta Club and the Kitty Hawk Honor Society and was a varsity cross country and track athlete. CONTRIBUTED BY JOHNNY WALKER

Three out of every four students who started at Marietta High School four years ago graduated on time.

That's according to a Tuesday news release by Marietta City Schools showing that the school's 75 percent, four-year graduation rate increased from 59.2 percent in 2011.

The five-year grad rate increased to 81.3 percent, which is up 17 percent from 2012, according to system officials.

"Given our mobile population, the varying life issues of students, and the ongoing changes in math curriculum, some of our students just need additional months, if not another full school year, in order to earn their diploma," said Superintendent Emily Lembeck.

The school system also expects an increase in high school diplomas given out at its winter graduation.

Marietta's graduation rate for the class of 2016 was below the statewide average of 79.2 percent.

The graduation rate for the Cobb County School District for the same year was 83.8 percent, up from 81.4 percent for the prior school year, state Education Department data showed.

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» 2016 – 75.1 percent

» 2015 – 74.7 percent

» 2014 – 71.4 percent

» 2013 – 66.5 percent

» 2012 – 61.97 percent

» 2011 – 59.2 percent

You can find information about Marietta City Schools, such as test scores, graduation rates, and school climate ratings at the Ultimate Atlanta School Guide