Oregon Celebrates Graduation Milestone for Class of 2025

Oregon’s Class of 2025 graduated at the highest rate in state history, with 83 percent of students earning a high school diploma on time, according to newly released data from the Oregon Department of Education. That figure – a new statewide record – edged past the previous high of 82.6 percent set by the Class of 2020.

The increase represents roughly 1,546 more graduates than the year before and marks the first time in several years that a graduating class could complete all four years of high school primarily in person. Education leaders called the milestone an encouraging indicator of recovery and stability following the pandemic.

“Achieving proficiency in core skills and graduating from high school create future possibilities for every child to reach their full potential,” Governor Tina Kotek said in a statement. She credited educators across the state for contributing to the positive trend.

While the statewide average hit a record high, districts in Lane County showed a range of outcomes.

In the McKenzie School District, which serves roughly 180 students, the four-year on-time graduation rate for the Class of 2024 was 70 percent, well below the state average. Three students in that cohort did not graduate on time – part of the of ongoing challenges linked to the district’s small size, rural setting, and family income levels.

In the larger Springfield School District, graduation rates have been improving although they still trail the state mark. According to the most recent district figures, about 74.2 percent of Springfield Public Schools students graduated on time for the Class of 2024, a slight increase from prior years.

District officials noted gains at individual high schools – including the district’s Academy of Arts and Academics and Thurston High School, which both exceeded the statewide average that year – but also acknowledged that further improvements are needed.

These local figures highlight the variation in graduation outcomes within Oregon: while state data points to record-high achievement overall, smaller and rural districts like McKenzie as well as larger urban districts such as Springfield continue to face their own unique challenges.

Statewide, several student categories also saw some of their highest graduation rates. Students completing two credits in an approved Career and Technical Education program led all groups with a rate of 97.8 percent, nearly 16 percentage points above the statewide average.

Gains were also seen among American Indian and Alaska Native students, others who receive special education services, English learners, and students experiencing poverty or homelessness – groups that have historically faced barriers to graduation.

To sustain and build on these gains, the Oregon Department of Education is emphasizing early literacy initiatives, attendance improvement efforts, and implementation of the new Education Accountability Act. The act sets statewide targets for student outcomes and aims to direct support where it’s most needed.

“Graduation is the result of years of opportunity, engagement, and support,” the agency said in a statement. “Every student in Oregon deserves a clear path from early learning to high school completion.”