High school graduation rates on both the state and city level rose slightly for the 2008-09 school year, according to the latest numbers released Tuesday by the State Board of Regents.

Overall, the city's four-year graduation rate rose more than two points to 59 percent.

The graduation rate statewide went up almost a full percentage point to nearly 72 percent.

Those numbers increase when August graduates and fifth year students are included.

District 26 in Queens had the best graduation rate in the city at 80 percent.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Tuesday the improved numbers are the result of better school management, more parental involvement and the ability to attract better teachers.

"Kids want to work in New York, it's exciting, their parents don't mind them coming to live in New York because it's safe," said the mayor. "So all of this fits together, and people who are dedicated to helping kids want to be in a system that works."

"I think there are simultaneously two things that are going on, both of them are important in the schools and of course at home. But in the schools two things are going on. I think our high schools are doing a better job, but I also think our children are coming to high school better prepared for high school," said Schools Chancellor Joel Klein.

The worst rate was district 18 in Brooklyn with 38 percent.