The dropout rate among Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) students in the high school class of 2012-13 dipped by three percent compared to the previous year, while the graduation rate rose slightly, according to figures released April 28.

The dropout rate among LAUSD students who began ninth grade together in 2009-10 was 17.3 percent, according to the state Department of Education, down from the 20.3 percent rate for the class of 2011-12.

The graduation rate for students in the class of 2012-13 was 67.9 percent, up from 66.6 percent from the previous year, according to the State.

Statewide, the graduation rate climbed for the fourth year in a row, according to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson.

A total of 80.2 percent of the State’s students who started high school in 2009-10 graduated with their class in 2013, a 1.3 percent increase than the previous year’s class.

“For the first time in our state’s history, more than 80 percent of our students are graduating – a clear sign of their hard work and the support they receive from their teachers, families and communities,” Torlakson said. “We are continuing toward our goal of graduating 100 percent of our students with the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed.”

The report also showed a statewide decrease in the dropout rate. Of the students who started high school in 2009-10, 11.6 percent dropped out, a 1.5 percent dip from the previous year.

Founded in 1853, LAUSD is the second largest school district in the nation and enrolls an estimated 640,000 students between kindergarten and twelfth grade. The district not only oversees schools within the City of Los Angeles but as well 31 other municipalities plus several municipalities. There are more than 900 schools plus another 187 public charters within the school district.

Some LAUSD high schools on the Westside include Alexander Hamilton, Palisades Charter, University, and Venice.