High School Statistics: Trends, Dropouts And More

The COVID-19 pandemic brought immense changes in education worldwide. According to September 2020 data, 1.5 million students worldwide and 630 million primary and secondary school teachers faced disruptions in academic activities. 

However, amidst the hiccups during the pandemic, the strength and resilience of the global education system were also brought out. It has been a big learning curve, but the switch to virtual learning did open exciting trends that high schools could look forward to experiencing.

Below, we consider some critical statistics for high schools to understand the degree of these changes, the challenges faced by both students and educators, and what the future holds regarding high school education and its trends.

Key High School Statistics

• Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology was ranked number one in the US News national ranking.6
• Median high school teacher salary: $62,870. 6
• The most utilized application among high school students is Snapchat, which is used by 35% of teens. 6
• Only 2% of teachers actively use virtual reality features in the classrooms. 6
• 85% of teachers think that virtual reality will have a 'good' influence on students. 6
• About 45% of teens report being stressed all the time. 6
• About 37% of all pupils at secondary school report that they have frequent problems with their mental health. 6

Virtual Reality Is The Future Of Teaching

Indeed, as many as 85% of teachers believe virtual reality will have a "good" influence on their students, a sign of a continually growing optimism about integrating advanced technologies into education. Teachers see the potential for VR to revolutionize teaching and take learning to a new level of engagement and interaction. 

Such learning through VR includes virtual field trips to historical sites, scientific concepts, and other places in the student's classroom. This interactive approach can engage different learning styles, making complex topics more understandable and memorable. Moreover, VR would make learning opportunities much more equal among students with learning disabilities by providing them with adapted experiences that help meet their particular needs. 

Teachers will want to support this idea because VR offers a more interactive, flexible learning environment that can deepen engagement and improve retention compared to conventional teaching methods. This, in turn, could make learning more enjoyable and interactive, increasing overall educational outcomes.

• 44.04% of teens said apps and online resources help lower stress. 6
• 70% of teens say anxiety and depression are major problems among people their age.6
• 61% of teenagers reported feeling stressed to obtain good grades. 6
• The out-of-school rate at lower secondary level is 39% in low-income countries and 3% in high-income countries.6
• At the upper secondary level, the out-of-school rate in low-income countries is 61 percent compared with just 8 percent in high-income countries.6
• Around the world, the out-of-school rate for the lower secondary school age group is twice as high - 15.6% compared with 8.2% for the primary school age group.6

Why are 39% of school students at the lower secondary level in low-income countries, while just 3% in high-income countries? 

This points towards several prevailing causes: poverty, lack of infrastructure, and shortage of resources in low-income countries. Most developing countries present barriers to students, including the cost of schooling, the need to work to keep their families alive, or some distance they must travel to reach schools.

Generally speaking, the education systems in high-income countries are more robust. They have better funding, accessible schools everywhere, and social programs supporting children's education. These resources ensure that almost all children in these countries attend school and receive a secondary education. The gap between the two rates shows how socioeconomic conditions influence a child's chances of obtaining quality education, which is critical to breaking the poverty cycle and opening the doors to success.

High School Bullying Statistics

• The prevalence of bullying is higher in middle school (26.3%) than in high school (15.7%).3
• Of students, approximately 19% reported being bullied on school property within a year of taking the survey.3
• E-bullying Among an estimated 16% of high school students, e-bullying occurred during the 12 months before the survey.3
• The prevalence of bullying among females stands at 21.8% compared to 16.7% among males.3
• A third of the world's children are being bullied, anywhere from 7% in Tajikistan to 74% in Samoa.3
• Among developed countries, low socioeconomic status is considered a significant factor in youth bullying.3
  
  

The Dominance Of Female Bullying

The fact that 21.8% of females, compared to 16.7% of males, said they are bullied suggests there is a gender difference in who is targeted for it. One possible reason for this higher prevalence among females may be related to the forms of bullying they are more likely to face. Research indicates that girls are victimized more relationally or emotionally through actions such as exclusion, rumor spreading, and social manipulation, which tends to be less visible than the more physical forms of bullying associated with boys. 

Moreover, girls may be victimized due to issues such as appearance, social status, or relationships with their peers, which can be very personal and damaging to their emotional feelings. This form of bullying can happen in person or online, with cyberbullying increasingly becoming a way of bullying through social networking sites. 

The statistic calls for specific anti-bullying programs that are focused on issues females face exclusively, including environments that are well-oriented and safe for all students.

• Youth of immigrant origin are more likely than native-born peers to be victimized by bullying in rich countries.3
• Of students ages 12-18 who reported being bullied at school during the school year, 21.6% were made fun of, called names, or insulted through the Internet or text messages.3
• The percentage of students reporting to have been electronically bullied was roughly twice as large among girls, 21%, compared with boys, 12%.3
• Of students ages 12-18 who reported being bullied during the school year, about 44.2 % notified an adult at school.3
  
  

How To Prevent Cyberbullying 

It has now become a serious and growing problem, with the statistic that 21.6% of students ages 12 to 18 reported being bullied online or through text messages. This is particularly damaging because much of the bullying occurs outside of school and thus becomes impossible for the victim to escape. 

The cover of anonymity can make the onslaught unrelenting and more destructive than in-person bullying, for perpetrators can target their victims without being seen or identified. Many victims experience anxiety, depression, and, at times, even suicidal thoughts due to the constant access technology provides and because the aggressor remains anonymous.

UNICEF’s Snapchat And TikTok Feature

UNICEF has also partnered with Snapchat and TikTok to curb cyberbullying. The agencies have added interactive features that support users who are victims of online harassment. These features guide users on what to do when faced with cyberbullying and ways in which they can report such abuse. 

For example, Snapchat offers prompts whenever users search for terms related to bullying and resources to help teach young users how to stay safe and where to seek help. Recently, TikTok followed suit and created a feature to allow users to filter comments and block off content that might be offensive.

These activities are part of broader UNICEF work to inform young people about how to stay safe online. In this direction, UNICEF will collaborate with the most popular social media platforms to reach the most vulnerable audiences through immediate access to anti-cyberbullying tools.

High School Drop Out Statistics

• The overall dropout rate in 2016 was 6%, down from 15% in 1970.5
• Among Black children, the dropout rate fell from 21% to 6%.4
• Among Hispanic youth, it fell from 36% to 9%.4
• The dropout rate amongst young Caucasians decreased from 12% to 5%.4
• Male learners accounted for approximately 7% of the total dropouts.4
• Native-born parents were 8% of all dropouts.4
• High school dropouts of foreign-born learners totalled 16.8%.4
• In 2023, 23.5% of dropouts and 15.8% of graduates were unemployed. 5
• Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020, schools across America transitioned from traditional in-classroom learning to online learning.5
• 75% of crimes committed in the US are by high school dropouts.6
• This would equate to a $3.1 billion increase in annual earnings with a 90 percent high school graduation rate. 6

Why High School Dropouts Are Committing Crimes 

The high correlation in that 75% of all US crimes are said to be committed by dropouts from high school is an indication that links education to criminal activities. Students not graduating from high school would likely have job opportunities and live in economic turmoil. Without decent job opportunities, they may turn to criminal activities for survival. In addition, dropping out of school is often linked with other risk factors such as poverty, not having family support or a lack of mental health facilities that may increase the likelihood of crime.

It provides knowledge and skills, offers a social structure, and exposes students to positive peer influences that may serve as protective factors against criminality. By contrast, these very stabilizing forces in student dropouts may have helped protect them from involvement in high-risk activities. Reductions in dropout rates and support for at-risk students can pay dividends in lower crime rates by offering youth options and avenues to success.

This number underlines the need to invest resources into education and intervention programs aimed at keeping at-risk youth in school off the roads, leading them to further criminal behavior.

High School Dropout Case Study (Interactive element) Source

High School Dropout Dilemma In America And The Importance Of Reformation Of Education Systems

The case study shows the overall effects of student dropout before the completion of high school in the U.S. Some of the factors that have been identified to contribute significantly to the dropout cases in schools include socioeconomic factors, race, disabilities, and the school environment. It calls for a reform in education, making learning friendly, accessible, and interactive for all students, more so for marginalized groups. Critical strategies for preventing dropout include early intervention, supportive curricula, teacher transformation, and solid home-school relationships.

It also provides the change in dropout rates over the years and across demographics. For example, the dropout rates fell from 8.3% in 2010 to 5.3% in 2020, while rates for some groups, such as American Indian/Alaska Native students and students from low-income families, remain high. The report suggests that investment in education, curriculum reform, and inclusive learning environments are key strategies for preventing dropouts and promoting national development.

US High School Statistics

• The gender parity index stands at 0.99, indicating that girls' high school enrollment was lower than their male counterparts.4
• At the secondary high school level, equity in gender ranks the United States schools 115th in the world.4
• There were 47% White kids, 27% Hispanic students, 15% Black students, and finally 11% other racial groups.4
• In 2021, there were 26,727 high schools in the United States.4
• Of these, 2,845 are private high schools.4
• The highest number of high schools in California is about 3,892 schools.4
• As of 2021, the State of Delaware has the fewest high schools, 83, in the country.4
• Although the District of Columbia is not regarded as a state, it still maintains 72 schools, the smallest number within the United States.4
• So far, there have been over 37 mass shootings on K-12 school grounds in 2024.7

Gun Violence In The US

The fact that there have been more than 37 mass shootings on K-12 school grounds stands as a deep concern concerning the growing problem of gun violence in American schools. For purposes of this paper, the definition of a mass shooting has been defined as one where four or more people are injured or killed, and these incidents have destroyed the lives of students, teachers, and communities alike. The prevalence of mass shootings in schools raises critical concerns about student safety, gun control laws, and mental health support.

It is a disturbing trend that can be attributed to many factors, including access to firearms, social and psychological problems of students, and school security breakdowns. Experts said gun violence in schools was a complex problem that required an equally multi-faceted response from policymakers and educators, with stronger laws on guns, improved mental health resources, and adequate safety measures at schools.

This fact outlines the urgent need for policies and actions to prevent such tragedies and to protect students from further harm.

• High Technology High School in Lincroft earned the No. 1 ranking for the best High School for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in the United States.1
• Massachusetts had the highest percentage of top-ranking high schools, placing 49.6% of its schools in the top 25%.1
• Maine and Nebraska had the lowest ranking, placing only 3.6 percent and 5.8 percent, respectively, of its high schools in the top 25 percent of schools.1
• 61.8% of high school graduates attend college.1
• 29.2% of all high school students are chronically absent.1
• Approximately 59 percent of those teens said they would attend a 4-year college after high school.1
• Altogether, in the US, only four high schools can boast of producing 100% graduation rates.1
  
  

Massachusetts Strong Education

Massachusetts's 49.6% of its high schools are in the top 25% of the nation, which speaks much about the strong emphasis in the state on education, besides setting exceptionally high standards for schools. 

Entailing several factors, it ranges from being well-funded public education to a heavy focus on rigorous curriculum and strong teacher support. Massachusetts has long stood in the front line about education, and it has consistently ranked among the very top in national assessments such as NAEP, which measures proficiency in critical subjects, including mathematics and reading.

The intense focus on early childhood education, preparation for teachers, and higher-level coursework available at the state level also makes it take center stage in the performance of its schools. Massachusetts invests heavily in public education; thus, schools can make various resources and programs available to help increase student performance. All these create an environment where students possess the tools and support needed to excel, leading to a higher percentage of top-ranking schools.

It reflects that a strong education infrastructure may be the reason for better academic performance and can serve as a model for other states.

High School Relationship Statistics

• 54% of high school students who marry at a younger age will see their marriage last ten years.8
• 9.4% of high school students report having been physically hurt by their partner in the past year. 8
• The relationships of teens aged 13 to 15 generally last less than five months.8
• High school students who wait to get married when they are 25 have a possibility of their marriage lasting at least ten years.8
• Only 19% of those who marry their high school partner attend college. Brandon Gaille
• Today, 14% of couples meet in school.8
• Less than 2% of all marriages are between people who've been dating since high school.8
  
  

High School Sweetheart Studies

The less-than-2% proportion of all marriages involving individuals who have dated since high school supports the idea that it is rare for a relationship in high school to last into a lifelong commitment. Several factors contribute to this low percentage. 

First, individuals experience great personal growth and changes in priorities as they transition into adulthood from adolescence. As young people grow, their interests, goals, and personalities change, and school relationships may become less and less compatible over time.

Moreover, high school couples have limited life experience and exposure to various people, which increases the probability that their views and preferences will 'grow apart' with time. Then comes the study of college career development in other cities or towns, increasing the odds.

This statistic underscores the challenges of maintaining a long-term relationship that begins during high school. Both personal development and life circumstances can make it difficult for young couples to stay together through adulthood.

High School Trends 

• AI in Education: The application of AI in the sector brings in EduTech, enabling learning to occur through personalized tutoring, auto-grading, and access to students with different types of disabilities.
• Neuroeducation: Integrating educational neuroscience challenges traditional methodologies such as lectures and/or memorization-based testing through personalized learning and student attention.
• Microlearning: Lessons are short, bite-sized, and spaced over time, leading to better information retention than long-haul lectures.
• Online Learning: The growth in online education makes learning more accessible, scalable, and convenient. Star Instructors: Platforms like MasterClass are popularizing courses taught by industry leaders and celebrities, attracting more learners.
• Independent Online Courses: Educators are increasingly launching online courses, bypassing platforms to retain more revenue.

Using AI For Personalized Teaching

AI in education transforms students' learning abilities through personalized tutoring and auto-grading. Such AI-driven platforms can adapt learning experiences toward individual student needs, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and help them better understand complex concepts. Furthermore, automated grading reduces teachers' workloads, allowing teachers to focus on activities involving students and lesson planning.

AI has made many accommodations to help students with disabilities, such as offering speech recognition for hearing-impaired students and text-to-speech options to make it easier to read and write for visually challenged students or those with reading disabilities. Consequently, students can learn within contexts that are becoming increasingly inclusive and adaptable.

A living example of AI in education is Carnegie Learning's MATHia, a web-based math software that tutors students one-on-one. The system keeps track of students' work and builds learning paths based on an individual's performance to give personalized feedback. 

Moving Forward

Looking at the statistics about high schools, one can see that this sphere of American education is diverse and multifaceted, from challenge to opportunity. From the different enrollments by the state to the graduation rates indicative of racial and socioeconomic disparities, these figures give a real insight into the areas where improvements should be made.

These are constant reminders of many students' challenges and point to expanded support mechanisms within schools. Addressing such difficulties becomes crucial for higher academic achievements and a healthy and friendly atmosphere in school.

These achievements are offset by areas of improvement documented in high school statistics. The rapidly changing face of education, whether through AI, personalized learning, or alternative assessment methods, needs information like this for its future strategy. Equity, mental health, and technological advancement are some areas that will hold the key to extending opportunities that ensure success for all students, irrespective of background.

Sources

National Center for Education Statistics
Stopbullying
American School Counselor Association
Statista
Research.com
CNN