Submitted by Robert Hopwood, Editor, Delano Herald Journal

Delano High School’s four-year graduation rate rose from the previous year, easily outpacing the state average and neighboring districts.

About 98.9% of the Class of 2024, or 176 out of 178 students, graduated from Delano High School in four years or less, according to statistics the Minnesota Department of Education released last week.

Two students in last year’s senior class did not graduate on time. One dropped out, and the other continued past four years.

Delano High School achieved its highest four-year graduation rate in at least six years last year. It also exceeded the state’s graduation rate (84.2%) during the same period.

The graduation rate in Delano in 2024 was also 0.4% higher than the year before, when about 98.5% of the Class of 2023 graduated in four years, according to statistics from the Minnesota Department of Education. 

The state released 2024’s high school graduation data for all high schools across the state last week, and the figures showed Delano once again had the highest graduation rate in the region.

It exceeded not only the state’s rate but also the rates of the six high schools in the districts bordering the Delano School District. Their 2024 four-year graduation rates were: 

• 94.7% at Watertown Mayer High School, up from 93.1% in 2023;

• 94.5% at Rockford High School, up from 90.4% in 2023;

• 93.6% at Buffalo Senior High School, up from 93.2% in 2023;

• 95.4% at Orono Senior High School, down from 97.6% in 2023;

• 97.4% at Mound Westonka High School, up from 92.6% in 2023; and

• 96.4% at Wayzata High School, up from 95.3% in 2023.

Minnesota’s high school graduation rate in 2024 was 84.2%, with 59,720 out of 70,927 students successfully earning their diplomas within four years, according to the education department’s data.

Of the 11,207 students across the state who didn’t graduate last year, 3,127 (4.4%) dropped out of school, 5,416 (7.6%) remained in school beyond four years, and it’s unknown what happened to the remaining 2,664 (3.8%) students.

Last year’s graduation rate in Minnesota wasn’t only higher than 2023’s rate (83.3%), but it also was the highest graduation rate the state has ever recorded, according to the education department.

Graduation rates rose across a number of major student groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, English learners, low-income students, and those in special education, with achievement gaps narrowing for many groups over one- and five-year trends.

“The students of the Class of 2024 worked hard and overcame challenges to achieve this milestone,” Education Commissioner Willie Jett said. “I am thrilled to see the success of many of our student groups—especially those most at risk—and a closing of the achievement gap as we work to make sure every student, of every background, zip code, and ability has access to a world-class education.”

The governor’s office said in a press release that the milestone follows education investments included in the 2023 One Minnesota Budget, which featured literacy initiatives, funding for safe learning environments, educator workforce support, and expanded high school opportunities. 

“Minnesota’s highest graduation rates on record are a testament to the historic investments we made to provide free school meals, support teacher training, expand mental health resources, and promote technical training opportunities for Minnesota high schoolers,” Gov. Tim Walz said. “The state is proud to celebrate the graduating class of 2024 and remains committed to supporting Minnesota students, setting them up for success beyond the classroom.”

The education department’s data divided the Class of 2024 into multiple categories to compare graduation rates by race, gender, economic metrics, and other criteria. 

The data showed that Delano High School’s male students had a higher graduation rate in 2024 than its female students. The male students had a 98.9% graduation rate, while the female students’ graduation rate was 98.8%.

One male and one female student in Delano’s senior class didn’t graduate last year, but because there were fewer female students (85) than male students (93), the graduation rate for females was slightly lower.

The one male student who didn’t graduate last year dropped out, and the one female student who didn’t graduate continued beyond four years.

Delano High School’s demographic data only included non-Latino white students, who had a 99.4% graduation rate last year. Out of 165 white students in the Class of 2024, 164 graduated, and one continued beyond four years.

Non-Latino white students made up all but 13 of the members of the Class of 2024, which had 178 students in it. The racial or ethnic makeup of those remaining students weren’t reported in the state’s data.

That’s because the Class of 2024’s non-white or mixed-race members fell below the education department’s reporting threshold. The department didn’t break down demographic data when fewer than 10 students were in a cohort.

Thirty students in Delano’s Class of 2024 were eligible for free or reduced-price meals. This is often used as an indicator of economic hardship. That group had a four-year graduation rate of about 93.3%. Twenty-eight of them graduated, one dropped out, and one continued beyond the four-year mark.

Principal Barry Voight said Delano High School has a strong tradition of excellence when it comes to graduation rates.

“This is a testament to the priority our students and families place on education and the dedication and diligent work of our staff to support our students,” he said. “The combination of these two factors leads to consistent success that can be seen in our historical graduation rate.”