Area schools contribute to record state graduation rate
Across the state, 90.23 percent students graduated from high school, which is up from 88.98 percent in 2023.
'Over the past year, we have celebrated a number of successes in K-12 education, and there is urgency to continue this positive momentum for Indiana students,' Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner said in a statement. 'As a state, we have seen literacy rates increase for the third consecutive year, chronic absenteeism rates improve for the second year in a row, and today, the highest state graduation rate on record.'
She attributed the improvement in student outcomes to a collaboration of educators, families and communities.
'Together, we must continue to keep our foot on the gas pedal in 2025, ensuring we keep improving our education system in Indiana and increasing opportunities for students,' she said.
Indiana students can graduate in one of two ways. One way is with waivers, which are intended to help students in special circumstances, including those who transfer to a new school. The other way is without waivers.
Some students, including those who transfer to an Indiana school from another state or non-accredited private school or have other extenuating circumstances are eligible for graduation waivers. But those students must still meet all of the coursework, credit and employability skills requirements. They must also maintain a 'C' average in required courses, an attendance rate of 95 percent, and fulfilling all other state and local graduation requirements.
According to the Indiana Department of Education, Elkhart Community Schools' 2024 graduating class had a graduation rate of 94.45 percent with waivers. Concord Community Schools had a graduation rate of 94.09 percent with waivers.
The 2024 state graduation rate without waivers is 87.53 percent, which is up from 84.92 percent in 2023. Elkhart Community Schools' 2024 graduation class had a non-waiver graduation rate of 94.45 percent, which is up from 90.15 percent in 2023. Concord Community Schools had a non-waiver graduation rate of 92.80 percent, which is up from 92.75 percent in 2023.
'We're happy with our success the past two years,' said Seth Molnar, Concord High School principal. 'Last year, we were 92 percent … that's the highest graduation rate we've had in 15 years. We beat that this past year, so we're really excited with all the progress we've made in this building, helping our students find paths to graduation. A kudos to our parents, our students and our staff. We worked incredibly hard to increase those numbers.'
Across the state, graduation rates increased for Black, Hispanic, White and English-learner students. The state graduation rates also increased for students in special education and students receiving free and reduced-price meals.
Cary Anderson, Elkhart High School principal, said he is excited about the 94.45 percent graduation rate for the high school, but that is not the only piece he and his staff are looking at.
'It's not just graduation rates we're looking at,' Anderson said. 'We're looking at everything. We're looking at our college-bound kids, we're looking at our career-bound kids, and doing everything we can to meet their needs.'
Anderson said the school is trying to graduate students who come back to the school community and work in the business community to help the community be better at large. He said the school is not just trying to graduate students, but graduate students with a focus, which will prepare the students for their next roles in life.
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