Press Release: ISD 728 Continues to Beat State Averages as Minnesota Closes Education Gaps

The Minnesota Department of Education released Class of 2024 graduation data in early May, with great news for Minnesota’s continued efficiency across the board in producing students ready for life, college and career.

The state announced a record number of 59,720 students, or about 84.2 percent of all students, earned their diplomas.

In ISD 728, that rate was even higher. More than 940 students were members of the Class of 2024, with 89 percent of students graduating from the District. That’s a clip that’s nearly 5 points higher than the state average, continuing ISD 728’s trend of beating state marks.

“These are students who, as eighth graders and again as freshman, saw major interruptions to their learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but rebounded and were able to overcome those non-traditional situations,” said Superintendent Andy Almos. “Across the board, we know that we can improve on that number, but we, like the state, continue to close gaps and address unprecedented growth. This is the core of what we do as a school district.”

Some bright spots around ISD 728: 

• Rogers High School again topped the 95 percent rate, with 96.1 percent of its students graduating. Ten more students continued their education in order to graduate after last June’s ceremonies, giving the Royals 400 of 406 students earning or working toward their high school diploma. That's a rate of better than 98 percent.
• At Ivan Sand Community High School, a record 14 students graduated in June 2024, and 18 more were continuing their education with summer classes to work toward that goal. 
• Elk River Senior High saw 90 percent of its students graduate, a rise of more than 6 points over the dip caused by the 2020 pandemic. With 362 graduates and 18 more students continuing to work toward meeting requirements, 94.5 percent of seniors at ERHS were en route to achieving their goal. 
• And at Zimmerman High School, more than 91 percent of students - or 163 seniors, met requirements, up from 156 in 2023. Another seven students were enrolled in continuing classes to push that rate to 95 percent. 

Statewide, graduation rates increased for many demographic groups measured by the Minnesota Department of Education. English Learners rose more than 3.5 percent, Asian students grew by more than 2.5 percent to a record high, and Black students graduated at a 73.9 percent clip, up 2.8 points from 2023. 

ISD 728 ranked high among the state’s largest school districts. The 89 percent rate was well above St. Cloud (66.1 percent), Osseo (84.6) and neighboring Anoka-Hennepin (85.6). Only Wayzata, Lakeville and South Washington County topped ISD 728 among large districts.