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Indiana high school graduation rates for the class of 2024 inched up to a record high of 90.2% and increased across Black, Hispanic, and English language learner students.
The latest graduation rates are the highest in a decade, marking a 1.25 percentage point increase from 88.98% 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,” Secretary of Education Katie Jenner said in a statement, referring to slight improvements in literacy and chronic absenteeism rates statewide.
Graduation rates in Gary schools showed mixed results in 2024, according to the Indiana Department of Education, with some schools improving while others declined. Thea Bowman Leadership Academy increased from 91% in 2023 to 95%, Steel City Academy rose from 67% to 78%, and Lighthouse Charter Academy climbed from 82% to 85%. Meanwhile, Gary West Side fell sharply from 83% to 65%, and 21st Century Charter Schools dropped from 95% to 91%.
The percentage of students graduating without a waiver — an exemption for students who fail to pass certain competency requirements — also increased from 84.9% in 2023 to 87.5% in 2024. Under a new state law, school districts last year were required for the first time to limit the percentage of waiver students included in their graduation rate.
Graduation rates also increased for students receiving free or reduced price meals from 88.7% to 91.5%. Rates for English language learner students also increased from 87.7% to 89.5%. Charter school graduation rates also increased from around 55% to 58.6%, while rates for traditional public schools increased from 91.3% to 92.5% and private schools increased from 92% to 92.3%.
The record graduation figures come just after the State Board of Education approved new graduation requirements. The new diploma rules go into effect by 2028-29, but schools can adopt them as early as the next school year.
Amelia Pak-Harvey covers Indianapolis and Lawrence Township schools for Chalkbeat Indiana. Contact Amelia at apak-harvey@chalkbeat.org.
Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools.