It’s the highest graduation rate ever recorded in the state, besting the previous record of 82.6% achieved by the class of 2020. The National Center for Education Statistics has not published a nationwide average graduation rate since 2023. Among the 23 different student groups the education department tracks, 19 saw record graduation rates, including among migrant students, students in special education programs, foster students and students experiencing poverty and houselessness. Our graduation rate, I believe, does reflect real progress in supporting students to stay in and complete school,” she told reporters. “That is a powerful indicator that more students are starting high school with the momentum they need to succeed,” Williams said.