Article Summary –
Michigan’s high school graduation rate reached a record high of 82.8% for the 2023-2024 school year, attributed to increased participation in career and technical education (CTE) programs and other secondary education activities. State officials, including Superintendent Michael Rice and Governor Gretchen Whitmer, praised the efforts of students, educators, and communities, highlighting the importance of postsecondary education and credential attainment for career success. Despite the overall improvement, challenges remain for certain subgroups, such as students in foster care, with disabilities, and migrant students, prompting a call for targeted efforts to close graduation rate gaps.
Michigan officials are celebrating new state data showing the state’s high school graduation rate hit a record high in 2024.
The four-year graduation rate rose to 82.8% at the end of the 2023-2024 school year, marking the highest level since adopting the federal calculation method in 2008, as per a Michigan Department of Education press release.
“I’m proud of the hard work of Michigan students, educators, support staff, families, and communities to increase the percentage of students graduating from high school,” stated state Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael Rice. “High school graduation opens doors to postsecondary credential attainment at two- and four-year institutions and training programs leading to various industry credentials. Postsecondary degrees and credentials help Michiganders earn a good living, support a family, and achieve their career dreams.”
The data indicates graduation rates increased most among Native American, Alaskan Native, multiracial students, and English-language learners last school year.
“As a mom of two high school graduates, I know how many soccer games, flashcards, and ACT prep courses go into getting your child across the stage to receive their diploma,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer expressed. “That’s why I’m so proud that Michigan’s graduation rate has reached an all-time high.”
The Michigan Department of Education attributed the improved graduation rates to increased participation in secondary education activities exposing students to studies beyond the traditional curriculum.
The department highlighted career and technical education programs, providing ninth through 12th grade students real-world experience in 53 career fields, like agriculture, public safety, and skilled trades. Enrollment in CTE programs has risen annually since the 2020-2021 school year, with student completion reaching the highest level in Michigan history.
The state board of education passed a resolution in January urging lawmakers to allocate additional funds to expand these programs. In her executive budget recommendations for the 2026 fiscal year, Whitmer proposed $125 million in one-time funding to extend the program’s reach to CTE deserts, areas with lower than expected participation.
Enrollment in other secondary education programs has also surpassed pre-pandemic numbers: dual enrollment for earning college credit, early middle college for completing a postsecondary program, advanced placement for college-level courses in high school, and international baccalaureate for a global education.
Despite these improvements, Rice stressed the importance of ensuring all students succeed. Students in foster care, with disabilities, and migrant students had the lowest graduation rates in 2024.
“Local school districts, intermediate school districts, and the department will intensify efforts to improve graduation rates, especially in schools needing more support to close these gaps,” Rice said.
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