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According to statistics released by the Minnesota Department of Education Wednesday, graduation rates in Minnesota continue to rise across the state. 

In 2024, 59,720 students (84.2%) of the overall graduating class graduated, marking the highest graduation rate ever recorded.

Among those numbers American Indian, Asian, Black, Hispanic or Latino and white student groups all showed increases along with English learners, students from low-income families and students receiving special education services.

“The students of the class of 2024 worked hard and overcame challenges to achieve this milestone,” said MDE Commissioner Willie Jett in Wednesday’s press release. “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.”

According to MDE, in Austin, AHS graduated 255 in 2024 for 77.7%, coming in beneath the state average as well as begging down a point from last year when more kids graduated at 264 for 78.1%.

At the same time, numbers released Thursday by APS showed growth in three areas:

• Special Education students, up 12.3% (from 55.8% to 68.1%)

• Asian students, up 4.2% (72.5% to 76.7%)

• White students, up 0.7% (84.0% to 84.7%)

“These are hard-earned gains,” said Superintendent Dr. Joey Page. “Behind each number is a student who’s been supported, challenged, and seen. Our job now is to keep building on that momentum.”

Thursday’s release noted that a key driver of these success is the district’s strategy is BARR (Building Assets, Reducing Risks), a nationally recognized program grounded in strong relationships, early intervention, and data-driven student support. BARR launched for all ninth graders at Austin High School and expanded to Ellis Middle School this year, focusing on keeping students academically engaged and on track through key transition years.

Early indicators showed:

• The ninth-grade cohort improved an overall passing rate by 11.4% from eighth to ninth grade.

• Over the past three years, the failure rate among ninth graders has dropped by 5.3%.

• The Semester 1 passing rate for ninth-grade students at Austin High School rose 2.9% – from 87.3% in 23-24 to 90.2% in 24-25.

• The quarter 2 passing rate at Ellis Middle School increased from 83.4% in 2023-24 to 84.5% in 2024-25, a gain of 1.1%. Quarter three saw even stronger improvement, rising 2.4% – from 85.1% to 87.5%.

“Graduation rates don’t jump overnight,” Page said. “But the building blocks are in place. More students are passing classes, more are on pace to graduate, and we’re seeing the early impact of the systems we’ve established. We’re not just responding to challenges but preparing every student for what’s next.”

Around the area, 2024 graduate numbers include:

Lyle — 2024: 10 (83%), 2023: 17 (85%)

Grand Meadow — 2024: 24 (92.3%), 2023: 36 (97.3%)

Southland — 2024: 38 (92.7%), 2023: 32 (94.1%)

LeRoy-Ostrander — 2024: 14 (87.5%), 2023: 18 (94.7%)

Hayfield — 2024: 46 (88.5%), 2023: 52 (91.2%)

Blooming Prairie — 2024: 66 (97%), 2023: 53 (100%).