Graduation Rate Improves in Rochester Public Schools

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The high school graduation rate in the Rochester School District continues to improve.

How the Class of 2025 Performed

A report released today by the Minnesota Department of Education put the overall graduation rate for the Rochester Public Schools Class of 2025 at 86.2%. The graduation rate for the Class of 2024 was just under 86%, and the report indicates the rate has climbed by more than 2.2 percentage points compared to the Class of 2023.

“This data tells a clear and balanced story,” said Superintendent Kent Pekel. “Over three years, we are seeing real progress, particularly for many student groups where improvement matters most. As people review these results, it is important to note that most students who do not graduate in four years do not drop out of school. A significant majority of them remain enrolled and earn their diplomas in five or six years. We don’t give up on any of our students, and we do what it takes to help them get across the finish line of high school graduation and move on to the worlds of postsecondary education and a career.”

 

Major Improvements Among Some Student Subgroups

The news release issued by the Rochester School District also lists significant improvements among students from multiple demographic subgroups. The high school graduation rate for Hispanic or Latino students has risen by 9.92 percentage points over the past three years. Among Asian students, the rate is up 8.83 percentage points, while there was a 6.93 percentage point improvement among Black or African American students.

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Two other demographic subgroups are noted for significant improvements. The high school graduation rate among students eligible for free or reduced-price meals rose 7.67 percentage points, and it was up 6.14 percentage points for students with disabilities.

Slight Decline Among White Students

The report indicates a slight decline in the high school graduation rate for white students in Rochester Public Schools. The rate dropped from just under 90.7% for the Class of 2023 to just under 89.8% last year. The graduation rate for students who do not qualify for free or reduced-price lunch declined just over one percentage point, and it was down just over 2.2 percentage points for students whose first language is not English.