Record Minnesota graduation rate sparks concerns over real readiness
Minnesota’s high school graduation rate reached a record 84.9% for the class of 2025, with St. Paul Public Schools reporting about a 78% rate—near a district record. Policy analysts warn that rising diplomas may mask “deficient skills” as statewide MCA and ACT scores have declined post‑pandemic, while district leaders like St. Paul Assistant Superintendent Dr. Adam Kunz defend practices that keep students working until they demonstrate proficiency and Commissioner Willie Jett cautions that the pandemic and Operation Metro Surge will have ongoing academic and social‑emotional effects.
📌 Key Facts
- Minnesota’s graduation rate reached a record high of 84.9% in the latest data release.
- Despite the record graduation rate, Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment and ACT scores have declined since the pandemic and have not rebounded.
- Policy analyst Catrin Wigfall of the Center of the American Experiment warns many students may be leaving school with diplomas but "deficient skills" for their next steps.
- St. Paul Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Dr. Adam Kunz rejects the idea diplomas are being "given away," saying the district has changed instruction so students continue working until they demonstrate proficiency within the term.
- State Commissioner Willie Jett says the pandemic and Operation Metro Surge are "two big shocks" that students (including current eighth‑graders) have experienced, and he warned those disruptions will continue to affect academics and students’ social‑emotional health.
- St. Paul’s graduation rate is about 78%, near a district record in this data release.
📊 Relevant Data
In 2025, Minnesota's four-year high school graduation rates by race/ethnicity were: White 90.7%, Asian 90.1%, Two or more races 80.6%, Black 76.4%, Hispanic or Latino 72.4%, American Indian 67.6%.
Minnesota high school graduation rates hit record high for class of 2025 — FOX 9
In 2025, MCA proficiency rates in math were 52% for White students compared to 21% for Black students; in reading, 52% for White students compared to 21% for Black students.
Minnesota students' academic performance stagnates after pandemic declines — Minnesota Reformer
In 2025, the four-year high school graduation rate for English learners in Minnesota was 67.1%.
Minnesota hits highest high school graduation rate in 2025 — Bring Me The News
Operation Metro Surge has caused increased student absences in Minnesota schools, particularly in districts with large immigrant populations, leading to reduced school funding and strained budgets due to fears of ICE enforcement.
Educators detail impact of Operation Metro Surge on students, schools — Minnesota House of Representatives
Rising levels of school segregation in Minnesota, especially in the Twin Cities, are likely contributing to racial achievement gaps.
Inequality, complacency behind Minnesota’s lagging student achievement — Minnesota Reformer
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Policy analyst Catrin Wigfall of the Center of the American Experiment argues that too many students may be leaving school with diplomas but "deficient skills" for their next steps.
- The piece emphasizes that Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment and ACT scores have declined post‑pandemic and have not rebounded, even as graduation rates hit 84.9%.
- St. Paul Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Dr. Adam Kunz pushes back on the idea that diplomas are being "given away," describing instructional changes where students keep working until they can demonstrate proficiency within the term.
- Commissioner Willie Jett explicitly connects the pandemic and Operation Metro Surge as "two big shocks" that an eighth‑grader has already experienced, warning those disruptions will keep affecting both academics and students’ social‑emotional health and future results.
- The article highlights that St. Paul’s graduation rate is about 78%, near a district record, adding a concrete figure for that district’s performance in this data release.