The state’s high school graduates are having a tough time.
Nearly 4,000 students in the state are enrolled in some kind of private school, and only 39 percent of those students graduate from high school in five years, according to the Texas Tribune.
The data is a reminder of the difficulty that a high school diploma can bring to a person’s future, especially for those who have struggled in school and who are struggling economically.
According to the Pew Research Center, more than 60 percent of American households are headed by a single parent.
In the last decade, the number of students in public and private schools has declined from around 5 million in 2005 to just under 4 million in 2020, the last year for which data is available.
Despite the state’s struggles, the state continues to provide students with access to public and charter schools.
“It’s a testament to how strong Texas’ economy is,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott said during a visit to the state last week.
“We have the opportunity to create a better future for our students and our state.”
But the state is not alone.