High school graduation rates reach record level in Minnesota
Minnesota recorded its highest-ever rate of high school graduation in 2024.
In its annual data release, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) announced that the proportion of Minnesota students completing their high school education in four years hit 84.2% in 2024, up from 83.3% in 2023.
While disparities remain between racial groups, there was an improvement from most demographics, with graduation rates among Black students 1.8%, Asian students 2.7%, American Indian students 1.6%, Hispanic and Latino students 2.5%, and white students 0.6%.
The lone exception was multiracial students, the graduation rate for whom dropped by 0.1%.
"The students of the Class of 2024 worked hard and overcame challenges to achieve this milestone,' said Commissioner Willie Jett. 'I am thrilled to see the success of many of our student groups – especially those most at risk – and a closing of the achievement gap as we work to make sure every student, of every background, zip code, and ability has access to a world-class education. I am also grateful for the educators, families and communities who stood behind these graduates and supported their needs and encouraged their successes. Their achievement is evidence that investing in kids pays off."
In its announcement, MDE highlighted the threat presented by the Trump administration's proposal to dissolve the U.S. Department of Education, saying that such a move would threaten around $600 million in funding for students with disabilities, local-income students, and rural schools.
In the Twin Cities, Minneapolis Public Schools saw its graduation rate increase by 6% after a significant drop in 2023, and while the proportion of students meeting math standards remains relatively stable compared to recent years, reading standards have dropped for the fourth consecutive year.
At St. Paul Public Schools, graduation rates are "on a par" with pre-pandemic 2019. Meanwhile, proportion of students meeting grade standards in math has increased for each of the past four years, while science proficiency at its highest rate since the start of the pandemic, and reading standards at its second highest.
Here's a look at the latest stats for Minnesota's five largest school districts:
(You can check your local school district's performance here)
Minneapolis Public Schools
St. Paul Public Schools
Anoka-Hennepin Schools
Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan
Osseo Area Schools
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