The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) has released the state’s 2023-2024 high school graduation statistics, reporting a four-year on-time graduation rate of 81.6%, Cap City News reports.
This marks a slight 0.2% increase from the previous year’s 81.4% rate and continues a steady trend of rates remaining above 80% since the 2015-2016 school year.
The 2023-2024 school year saw a total of 6,344 students graduate on time from Wyoming high schools, representing the largest cohort since the federal tracking system’s inception in 2009-2010.
Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder expressed pride in the state’s ability to maintain consistent graduation rates even through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The increase in four-year on-time graduation rates across the state, particularly among Native American students and at alternative high schools, shows immense dedication from students and staff,” Degenfelder stated.
Notably, schools on the Wind River Reservation achieved impressive improvements. Wyoming Indian High School in Fremont County School District #14 saw its on-time graduation rate jump from 49% to 76.5%, a 27.5% increase compared to the previous year and 19% above the past five-year average. Wind River Learning Academy, an alternative school, saw a 37.5% rise, with 87.5% of students graduating on time.
The WDE release highlighted similar successes in other alternative schools across Wyoming, with six institutions achieving at least a 10% increase in four-year on-time graduation rates.
Elizabeth Smiley, Superintendent of Fremont County School District #14, attributed the improved graduation rates to a combination of cultural education initiatives, career technical education programs, dedicated staff, increased student engagement, and strong community and family support.
According to the report, 14 Wyoming school districts and one charter school achieved graduation rates of 90% or higher. Some of the top-performing districts included:
- Sheridan 3: 100%
- Washakie 2: 100%
- Prairie View Community School*: 100%
- Sublette 1: 97.8%
- Fremont 24: 96%
- Big Horn 3: 95.6%
As graduation rate calculations have faced scrutiny, WDE plans to review its current methodology. Megan Degenfelder noted that varying school choice options and federal guidance have led to differences in how graduation rates are calculated across states. To address concerns, the department will convene a working group of superintendents, principals, and other stakeholders to assess and update the current approach.
The complete graduation rate statistics for Wyoming schools can be found on the WDE’s official website.
