Persistence pays in supporting students through challenging times

Bloomington Public Schools continued working to improve graduation outcomes, especially in the context of a changing student population and ongoing post-pandemic recovery. While both the four- and seven-year rates dipped slightly, graduation rates exceeded the state average for several subgroups, demonstrating success in closing opportunity gaps for students.

Bloomington’s four-year graduation rate declined 1.3 percentage points from the previous year to 79%, while the statewide rate held relatively steady at 83.6% compared to 2023. The seven-year graduation rate declined by 2.5 percentage points to 87.7%, dipping below the statewide seven-year rate of 88.5%.

Notable improvements:

• Black/African American students (81.2%) and students with two or more races (82.1%) graduated in four years, exceeding state averages of 73.9% and 80.1% respectively.
• Black/African American students saw a 5.9-point gain in their four-year graduation rate from 2023 to 2024, rising from 75.3% to 81.2% - a remarkable 14-point increase since the onset of the pandemic, and up from 66.9%. Rates improved for this group at all three high school sites - Kennedy, Jefferson, and Choice - reflecting a districtwide commitment to enhancing student support.
• Students identifying with two or more races reached an all-time high of 82.1%, from the previous year and a 20-point increase since 2018.
• Four- and seven-year graduation rates for White students remained steady at 87.2% and 93.7%, respectively, a sign of continued stability.

“In Bloomington and across the state, educators remain focused on connection, support, and growth,” said Superintendent Dr. Eric Melbye. “The results of that work are emerging now. Graduation rates are stabilizing or rising for a few groups. This is the belief that every student can graduate if we build the right system around them.”  

Graduation data are available on the Minnesota Report Card