Article courtesy of MIRS for SBAM’s Lansing Watchdog newsletter
Michigan’s four-year high school graduation rate reached a new record during the 2024-25 school year, climbing to just over 84%, according to data released by the Michigan Center for Educational Performance and Information.
The rate increased 1.2 percentage points from 82.8% the previous year, which had been the state’s previous high since adopting the federal calculation formula in 2008. The four-year dropout rate also improved, falling to 7.1% from 7.7%. Michigan’s five-year graduation rate rose nearly a full percentage point to 85.8%.
State Superintendent Glenn Maleyko credited students, educators and families for the gains, calling the record rate a sign of collaboration and continued focus on improving literacy and student outcomes.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer tied the improvement to increased state investments in education, including funding for instructional materials and free breakfast and lunch for all 1.4 million public school students.
Graduation rates increased for 14 of 17 student groups, with the largest gains among homeless students, military-connected students and African American students.
Among the state’s 20 largest districts, 16 saw improvements. Detroit Public Schools Community District posted a 5.1 percentage-point increase, while Troy School District again recorded the highest graduation rate at 98.3%.
State officials said expanded career and technical education, dual enrollment and early intervention programs also contributed to the gains.
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