Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Indiana’s Class of 2024 posted the highest graduation rate in recorded state history, the Department of Education reported on Monday.

Officials said 90.2% of students graduated, compared to 89% last year.

The state cited gains in every demographic group as well.

Ethan Hutton shakes hands with Valparaiso Board of Education Vice President Jennifer Bognar before receiving his diploma during commencement ceremonies at Valparaiso High School in Valparaiso, Indiana Wednesday June 1, 2022. Hutton graduated with highest distinction. (Andy Lavalley for the Post-Tribune)
Ethan Hutton shakes hands with Valparaiso Board of Education Vice President Jennifer Bognar before receiving his diploma during commencement ceremonies at Valparaiso High School in Valparaiso, Indiana Wednesday June 1, 2022. (Andy Lavalley for the Post-Tribune)

Secretary of Education Katie Jenner said there’s an urgency to continue the progress, including the increase in literacy rates and decline in chronic absenteeism.

“Thanks to the collaboration of educators, families, and communities, these represent just a few examples of the improved student outcomes we are seeing across the state. Together, we must continue to keep our foot on the gas pedal in 2025, ensuring we keep improving our education system in Indiana and increasing opportunities for students,” she said in a statement.

The state’s non-waiver graduation rate improved from 84.9% in 2023 to 87.5%.

To qualify for a waiver, a student must complete postsecondary requirements by the end of their senior year.

Officials also said due to differences between federal and state accountability equations and standards, Indiana’s federal graduation rate was 88.67%, up from 87.52% in 2023.

More Top Picks Bulbs Landscape

To learn more, see the Indiana Department of Education website’s data center for 2024 graduation information.

The state reported graduation rates for:

· Black students — from 82.4% to 84%

· Hispanic students — from 86% to 88%

· White students — from 90.7% to 92%

· English learners — from 88% to 89%

· Special education students — from 83% to 85%

· Free/reduced meals — 89% to 91.5%

· Traditional public schools — 92.4%

· Charter schools — 58.6%

· Private — 92.3%

2024 Indiana graduation rate*

State: 90.2%

Lake County

Hanover Central   94.3%

River Forest   89%

Merrillville   94%

Lake Central   96%

Lowell   98%

Calumet   94%

Crown Point   98%

East Chicago  89%

Lake Station  71%

Gary West Side  65%

Griffith  92%

Hammond Central   77%

Hammond Morton   74%

Highland  98%

Hobart   90%

Munster   98%

Whiting   97%

Porter County

Hebron   96%

More Top Picks Best E Readers For Arthritis Sufferers

Chesterton   98%

Morgan Twp.   93%

Kouts   92%

Washington Twp.   100%

Boone Grove   100%

Wheeler   98%

Portage   96%

Valparaiso   99%

Charter schools

Thea Bowman  95%

Gary Lighthouse   85%

21st Century    79%

HAST   97%

Steel City Acad.   69%

Private

Andrean   100%

Bishop Noll   98%

Illiana Christian   100%

*Source: Indiana Department of Education

Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.