For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, Minneapolis Public Schools saw a 3% increase in its graduation rates. Approximately 77% of MPS students graduated within four years. 

African American students saw the highest gain with a 4% increase from 68% to 72%. Students from Somali-speaking homes also saw a 4% increase from 77% to 81%. Additionally, changes to state level coding for American Indian students resulted in an increase from the 2020 rate of 36% to 50% in both 2021 and 2022.

“Our students continue to show their resilience in the wake of everything they’ve been through,” said Interim Superintendent Rochelle Cox. “The Class of 2022 only spent one year of their high school experience in a typical learning environment before the pandemic changed everything. In spite of this, students stayed committed to their academics and went on to graduate. I am so proud of our students and staff for all their hard work over the past several years.”

With the use of federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Act (ESSER) funding, MPS made providing more graduation supports for students a top priority. Graduation coaches and additional counselors, social workers and mental health providers were hired to build relationships with students and monitor their progress. Improvements were also made to MPS’ credit recovery program and all staff received more training on graduation requirements.

See district graduation rates for 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 below: