Education Minnesota applauds the Class of 2024 for the highest graduation rate on record
For more information, contact:
CHRIS WILLIAMS
651-247-5539
Education Minnesota applauds the Class of 2024 for the highest graduation rate on record
ST. PAUL, Minn. May 7, 2025 – Education Minnesota congratulates the high school class of 2024 for graduating at the highest rate on record, said Education Minnesota President Denise Specht on Wednesday after the state released the new data.
“These Minnesota students overcame the disruptions and distractions of a global pandemic and a national racial reckoning after the murder of George Floyd to graduate at the highest rate on record,” Specht said. “It’s remarkable, and a testament to the resilience of the students and the quality of instruction and support they received from their educators and families.”
The Minnesota Department of Education reported Thursday that the overall graduation rate for the class was 84.2%, representing 59,720 students. Graduation data show year-to-year increases for students in American Indian, Asian, Black, Latino and white student groups. Graduation rates also improved for students from low-income families, English language learners and students receiving special education services.
“Graduation rates are one of public education’s most important data points. They tell us more about what’s happening in a school, over time and across subjects, than any single day of standardized testing,” Specht said. “Also, nearly every student has an incentive to work for good grades and graduate – which can’t be said for state tests that don’t affect their grades and rarely affect students’ future plans.”
Specht said it was good to see that persistent gaps in graduation rates by race were shrinking, but cautioned that it would be difficult to continue the trend if the Trump administration and its allies in Congress followed through on their threats to reduce the overall amount of federal support for public schools, with their special emphasis on eliminating programs designed to provide extra resources to students of color.
“If the president’s MAGA allies in Congress won’t stand up for public education and block the cuts to the federal budget, it will be up to Minnesotans at the state and local levels to provide the resources schools will need to provide every student with an education that will allow them to pursue their dreams,” Specht said.
About Education Minnesota
Education Minnesota is the voice for professional educators and students. Education Minnesota’s members include teachers and education support professionals in Minnesota’s public school districts, faculty members at Minnesota’s community and technical colleges and University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Crookston, retired educators and student teachers. Education Minnesota is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.
