2024 SPPS graduation rates on par with 2019

Seventy-seven percent of Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) students graduated in four years in 2024, according to new data released by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) today. This is an 8 percentage point increase from the district’s 2023 graduation rate of 68.5%*.

This data reverses three consecutive years of declines in the district’s four-year graduation rate, making it on par with 2019 figures. In addition, nearly every student group and every school saw an increase. This positive news can be attributed to the hard work of many staff across the district, as well as the graduates themselves.

“I am proud of our 2024 graduates and of our teachers, principals and many other staff who have worked diligently to support students in reaching this important milestone,” said Dr. John Thein, interim superintendent. “To see the district’s graduation rate return to 2019 levels, and to increase significantly for many student groups, is a testament to the high-quality education that students and families should expect from Saint Paul Public Schools.”

Additional Data Points

• Almost all student groups in SPPS increased in the four-year graduation rate from 2023.
• Notable percentage point increases by student group include:
• English language learners (+12)
• Hispanic students (+12)
• Students receiving special education services (+10)
• Black students (+10)
• Students qualifying for free/reduced price meals (+9)
• Asian students (+8)
• White students (+7)
• Asian, Black, Free/Reduced, Special Education, Two or More Races, and White students have made gains in 4-year graduation rates compared to 2019.
• 13% of students continued their education past the traditional four years, an increase of two percentage points compared to 2023. These students may graduate in 5, 6 or 7 years.
• The percentage of students dropping out is 6%; lower than 2023 (7%) and 2019 (8%) dropout rates.
• The percentage of students whose enrollment is unknown is 5%; a large decrease of eight percentage points compared to last year, but slightly higher than 2019 (3%).

The 2024 graduating class began their 9th grade year in distance learning due to COVID-19. SPPS staff have been working diligently to support and increase student achievement. A few ways the district is building on this positive trend include:

• Using fair and equitable grading practices, combined with teacher and student support, have consistently improved passing rates while maintaining rigorous academic standards and a focus on learning.
• Expanding/enhancing 9th grade academic support courses across all SPPS high schools.
• Expanding access to internships, industry-recognized certifications, work-based learning experiences, and partnerships to connect classroom learning with real-world applications.
• Implementing daily Advisory to increase student engagement and build positive relationships with and among students through social emotional learning, college and career readiness, and academic support.
• Offering a variety of credit recovery options, including after school, online and experiential learning programs for students to stay on track for graduation.

An overview of SPPS graduation data, including breakdowns by school and student group, is available in the Data Center. Additional and statewide data is available on the Minnesota Report Card.

*The 2023 graduation rate for SPPS did NOT include all 2023 summer graduates. When they are included, as they typically are, the graduation rate improved to 73.4%.