The graduation rate for Toronto high school students has increased by three per cent over the past year, the Toronto District School Board announced yesterday.

In 2013, 83 per cent of students graduated, compared to 80 per cent of students in 2012.

Since the TDSB began to track graduation rates in 2000, the graduation rate has increased by 14 per cent, from 69 to 83.

“I’m pleased to be able to say that TDSB students are graduating at a rate higher than we’ve ever seen before,” TDSB director Donna Quan said in a news release. “With targeted supports, we can continue this upward momentum.”

Graduation rates are measured by following a group of grade nine students for five years, which is the time it takes most Ontario students to finish high school.