A map analysis conducted by Newsweek has revealed the counties in Florida with the highest percentages of high school dropouts, shedding light on educational disparities across the state.
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Hendry County stands out with the highest dropout rate at 31 percent among its approximately 40,000 residents.
Other smaller counties in Florida also exhibit significant dropout percentages, including DeSoto and Glades Counties at 27 percent, Hamilton County at 23 percent, and Union and Hardee Counties at 22 percent.
In contrast, larger counties such as Leon, Okaloosa, and St. Johns report a significantly lower dropout rate, tied at just 5 percent of residents without a high school diploma.
Miami-Dade County, Florida’s most populous county with over 2.6 million residents, records a dropout rate of 16 percent. Broward County, the second most populous with nearly 2 million people, reports that only 11 percent of residents lack high school diplomas.
Despite recent announcements of record-high graduation rates in Florida, concerns persist about educational outcomes and disparities. While Governor Ron DeSantis praised the state’s academic focus in classrooms, reports indicate challenges in teacher recruitment and retention, particularly amid the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Experts emphasize the long-term consequences of dropping out of high school, citing adverse impacts on individuals, families, and society as a whole. Educational attainment remains a crucial factor in socioeconomic outcomes, highlighting the importance of addressing dropout rates and supporting educational opportunities for all Floridians.