Majority of MCPS seniors intend to pursue higher education after graduation, survey says

[West Port High School]

A large majority of Marion County’s high school graduates plan to attend college, according to a survey of the Class of 2024.

Out of the 2,235 high school seniors surveyed to find out their plans after graduation, 67% of students said they were pursuing higher education, 23% are entering the workforce, 8% are enlisting in the military and 2% are pursuing entrepreneurship, according to the survey.

As of May 1, 2,695 students are enrolled as seniors across the seven traditional high schools in Marion County Public Schools. Of those students, 83% participated in the survey conducted by the MCPS Career and Technical Education Department.

Graduation is fast approaching for these seniors, with ceremonies being held from the end of May through mid-June, some of which will take place in the World Equestrian Center.

Vanguard High School: May 22 at 6 p.m., Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, Ocala

North Marion High School: May 23 at 6 p.m., Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, Ocala

Dunnellon High School: May 24 at 6 p.m., World Equestrian Center, Ocala

Lake Weir High School: May 24 at 6 p.m., Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, Ocala

Belleview High School: May 25 at 8 a.m., Belleview High School Stadium, Belleview

Forest High School: May 25 at 8 a.m., World Equestrian Center, Ocala

West Port High School: May 28 at 8 a.m., World Equestrian Center, Ocala

The school district spent $18,106 to use the World Equestrian Center for three high schools’ graduation ceremonies, according to the agreements with MCPS. Utilizing the space for Forest High School and Dunnellon High School cost $5,870 per ceremony. The cost to use the space for West Port High School’s ceremony was $6,366.