The graduation rate is the percentage of the annual graduation rate cohort that earns a local or Regents diploma by August
31st following the third school year after the school year in which the cohort first entered grade 9, except that in a school in which the majority of students participate in a department - approved, five - year program that results in
certification in a career or technology field in addition to a high school diploma, the graduation rate shall be the percentage of the annual graduation rate cohort that earns a local diploma by August
31st following the fourth school year after the school year in which the cohort first entered grade 9.