Four-year high school graduation rates increased between 2013 and 2019 across all regions, according to data in the Fox Cities Leading Indicators for Excellence (LIFE) Study. Calumet, Outagamie, and Winnebago counties all ranked above the state average in 2019, and Wisconsin ranked eleventh best in statewide graduation rates across the United States.

The Fox Cities LIFE Study is funded by the Community Foundation and United Way Fox Cities. The Leading Indicators for Excellence (LIFE) Study provides a data-focused overview of the quality of life in the Fox Cities area. The LIFE Study began in 2001 and offers a look at how our community is doing. It provides insights, trends and data to gauge the quality of life in health and human services issues in the Fox Cities. The data presented should be a catalyst for community conversation about how we all can bring about important change, improve the quality of life, and put effort to the greatest needs in our community. The study also is benchmarked against select counties, Wisconsin and the nation, with trending information.

Whereas 2016 was a low-point for four-year graduation rates for all race/ethnic groups, each has improved as of 2019, with the American Indian/Alaska Native students having the greatest increase, from 71% to 92% between 2016 and 2019. Overall, from 2013 to 2019, Black/African American students tended to have the lowest four-year graduation rates when compared to other race/ethnic groups.

High school dropout rates were relatively flat between 2013 and 2019 in Calumet, Outagamie, and Winnebago counties, as well as in Wisconsin, with the Fox Cities region typically having lower rates than the state.

Sources for the Education and Learning updates include Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Wisconsin Information System for Education Data Dashboard and U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates.

The Fox Cities LIFE Study website is updated on an ongoing basis, when new data is available, which may or may not include the current COVID-19 time period. Interactive charts are now available on the Fox Cities LIFE Study website, with a summary of the new information on the “What’s New” page.

Education and Learning Updates:

Eight indicator pages with 19 charts updated:

• 5.04 – Grade 3 Reading Proficiency (1 of 2)
• 5.05 – Grade 3 Reading Proficiency (2 of 2)
• 5.06 – Math, Reading, and Science Proficiency
• 5.07 – Economically Disadvantaged Students (1 of 2)
• 5.09 – School Attendance
• 5.10 – High School Dropouts
• 5.11 – Graduation Rate (1 of 2)
• 5.12 – Graduation Rate (2 of 2)

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