Where 9th graders enroll in high school has implications for student experiences and future attainment outcomes. Students are more likely to be successful in schools where they feel both supported and challenged.

Graduating high school with a high level of academic achievement is among the most important markers along the road to college success. In order to graduate from high school on time, students must obtain a minimum of 24 credits.

Students’ choice of college influences their likelihood of earning a college degree. Students who choose a college with a strong track record of graduating its students, and which fits their unique financial, geographic, and cultural needs, are more likely to earn a college degree or credential. College may not be the best path for every student, but due to data limitations, we are not currently able to track outcomes for non-college pathways (for example, military service, trade school, workforce).

Completing a college degree or certificate is increasingly a primary pathway to social and economic stability in the 21st century. When considering a high school's effort to increase the educational attainment of its students, the college completion rate is a critical benchmark.