Valdosta, GA- According to data released Tuesday by the state Department of Education, both Lowndes and Valdosta High Schools saw their ‘cohort’ graduation rate increase from 2011 to 2012.

Lowndes High School showed a 6.3% increase in the four year cohort graduation rate, from 66.8% to 73.1%.  Principal Jay Floyd said, “We are pleased to see our 4-Year Cohort Graduation Rate improve.  However, we will continue to implement strategies for improvement until all of our students graduate at a 4 year rate.”

Valdosta, meanwhile improved by nearly five percent, from 64.79 percent to 69.53.

Other local schools: Brooks County improved from 61.1 to 73 percent. Cook declined slightly from 77.3% to 76.82. Berrien declined from 78.9 to 77.3 percent.