9% of D.C. ninth-graders finish college

From the CEC Smart Brief:

Only 9% D.C. public school freshmen complete college within five years of graduating high school -- compared with 23% of peers nationwide -- finds a new study commissioned by the school district and city. The school system has been creating ninth-grade academies and expanding dropout prevention programs in hopes of doubling the number of college graduates. The Washington Post (free registration) (10/19)