[KHTS] – High school graduation rates are on the rise across the state of California, Department of Education officials announced Monday. They went up by 1.3 percent between 2012 and 2013, and increased at a slightly steeper rate for specific ethnic groups like African-American and Hispanic students.

But there was little difference between the two years for the William S. Hart Union High School District’s already high numbers.

In 2012, the Hart District’s graduation rate was 93 percent, dropping only to 92.9 percent in 2013.

The statewide graduation rate for the cohort graduating in 2013 was 80.2 percent, up from 78.9 percent in 2012.

A cohort refers to a particular group of students tracked over a given time period. Graduation and dropout rates were calculated based on four-year cohort information using the state’s California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System.

The statewide rate of African American graduates went up by 1.9 percent in a year, to 67.9 percent; and the rate of Hispanic graduates was 75.4 percent in 2013, an increase of 1.7 percent.

Of the 7.1 percent in the cohort who didn’t graduate from the Hart District in 2013, 1.7 percent of students dropped out, 5.3 percent are still enrolled and the final 0.1 percent completed the special education program.

Among the different ethnic groups in the district, Asian and African American saw the most change in the graduation rate–a 2.4 percent increase among African American students and a 1.9 decrease among Asian students.

Among those who did not graduate were members of the cohort still enrolled in high school, special education completers or dropouts.

“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,” Tom Torlakson, state superintendent of public instruction. “We are continuing toward our goal of graduating 100 percent of our students with the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed.”

For data and charts from the state Department of Education, organized by county, district or school, click here.

“Caution is urged when comparing graduation or dropout rates across individual schools and districts,” according to a DOE press release. “For example, some county office schools, alternative schools, or dropout recovery high schools serve only those students who are already at the greatest risk of dropping out, compared with the broader population at traditional high schools. Therefore, these individual schools and districts cannot be directly compared.”

To learn more about the Hart District, click here or visit them on Facebook.