The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) recently released the graduation data for last year’s class of 2025, revealing a state record-high graduation rate. Local area schools of southwest Minnesota also reported positive rates.

Minnesota collectively reported an 84.9% graduation rate statewide for 2025, accounting for 61,935 students, which broke 2024’s previous record of 84.2%, now with over 2,000 more students crossing the stage.

“We are delighted to announce that Minnesota graduation rates, once again, broke a record for the highest percentage of students graduating at 84.9% of our seniors in the class of 2025 that graduated in four years. This is the highest four year graduation rate Minnesota has ever recorded,” MDE commissioner Willie Jett said to a group of reporters on a statewide call last week. “We’ll continue to focus on supporting schools and our commitment to making sure every student has access to a world-class education in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.”

Notably, area schools around the region have also increased or maintained a successful 2025 graduation rate compared to the prior year.

The Marshall Public School District, between the high school and Area Learning Center, reported a rate increase in its accountability data, which excludes subgroups of students that have cohorts of less than 20 kids. While the overall data showed a slight dip for the district from 86.4% in 2024 to 85.8% in 2025 counting for all students, the four-year accountability data revealed a jump from 79.9% to 80.9%.

Marshall superintendent Jeremy Williams said there was also a seven-year district-wide increase, rising from 80.3% up to 86.7%.

The four-year rate tracks students who graduate within their four years, and the seven-year data tracks students who need additional time to graduate.

The Area Learning Center in particular saw notable growth, from graduating 58.6% in 2024 to 62.1% in last year, which marks its highest rate in five years.

“This growth reflects the daily efforts of our staff to meet students where they are and help them reach the finish line,” Williams said. “Every day, our team works tirelessly to meet students where they are and to live our mission to educate, support and prepare all learners for success. We are proud of this progress and remain committed to continual improvement for every student.”

Minneota graduated 93.5% of its 2025 class with 43 students, well above the state average, and superintendent Scott Monson noted that staff and faculty will continue prioritizing student success to reach the school’s full graduating expectations.

Minneota had a graduation rate of 97.6% in 2024, and recorded a perfect 100% rate the previous three years.

“Our four-year graduation rate of 93.48% is lower than our internal expectation, as we have been accustomed to graduating 100% of our students each year,” Monson said. “While the state’s four-year graduation rate reached a record high of nearly 85% … Our most meaningful comparison is how we perform relative to neighboring and similar districts in southwest Minnesota. I anticipate that comparison will remain favorable.”

“While accountability metrics like the MDE’s graduation rate do matter, understanding and supporting each student as an individual remains our top priority … Our staff and administration do an excellent job monitoring student progress and intervening early to help ensure students stay on track toward graduation,” Monson said. “Ultimately, a 93.48% graduation rate is something we recognize as solid, especially compared to the state, but it does not meet our standard. Our goal will continue to be graduating 100% of our students each year.”

Lakeview had just a slight dip in its graduation rate, but had an increase in the graduated student-body count.

Lakeview graduated 92.3% of last year’s class with 48 students, compared to 2024’s data of graduating 100% of its 44 seniors. But, the percentage-rate change doesn’t reflect a concern.

Superintendent Chris Fenske said there were a few students that earned their diplomas after Lakeview’s graduation date last school year, noting that the slight decrease is most likely due to the timeframe in which MDE captured the graduation data.

The Tracy Area Public School District reported an increase with a 90.6% graduation rate compared to 2024’s 89.8%, with four more students graduating.

Russell-Tyler-Ruthton also had another strong year, graduating 98% of the 2025 class, which was a jump from 96.5% in 2024.

Notably, Canby reported an increase with graduating 90.9% and 40 students in 2024 up to 96.4% and 53 students in 2025, marking the district’s highest rate since 2021’s 100%.

Other area schools reporting an increase in its graduation percentage rate in 2025 from the previous school year include Murray County Central, Red Rock Central, Wabasso and Westbrook-Walnut Grove.

The statewide data also showcased an improved graduation rate in nearly every demographic group related to race or special population of students like English-learners, those eligible for free or reduced lunches, foster care, etc.

Jett credited the statewide success to an increase in overall educational engagement, which factors into student success, meeting academic standards and earning their diplomas.

“There’s an increase in students reporting that they believe their teachers and others in their lives care about them,” Jett said. “Making sure that we continue to focus on belonging and connection, students are more likely to attend, engage and succeed when they feel safe, when they feel valued and when they feel connected to adults in their school community. That just requires the continued strong partnerships with our families and our communities.”