The dropout rate for Pasadena public high schools remained static at 13% last year despite increases in the percentage of students who graduated on time, according to statistics released Tuesday by the California Department of Education.

The statewide dropout rate decreased from 14.7% for the 2010-11 school year to 13.2% for 2011-12.

In Pasadena Unified, 78.7% of students who began high school in the fall of 2008 graduated last year — a smidge better than the statewide average of 78.6%.

In addition to the 13% of local students who dropped out, 7.9% were still enrolled in school, while a handful of others obtained their high school equivalency certificates or were special education students who aged out of the district.

More at the Pasadena Sun.