Statewide graduation rate reaches 92.1 percent, breaking previous record

New data from the Tennessee Department of Education shows that the statewide graduation rate from the 2023-24 school year was 92.1 percent, breaking the previous record achieved in the 2022-23 school year at 90.6 percent.  

According to a Wednesday news release from the department, Clay County Schools, McKenzie Special School District, South Carroll Special School District, and West Carroll Special District each surpassed 99 percent graduation rates. The announcement said 73 districts graduated 95 percent or more of their students on time, while 23 districts finished the year with graduation rates over 99 percent among English learners, non-white and low-income students, and students with disabilities.

The department also noted that 1,756 more students graduated in the 2024 cohort compared to last year, for a total of 67,232 students graduating across the state. Seventy-eight percent of districts also improved their graduation rates from 2023 to 2024, with seven districts improving by five percentage points or more.

The announcement added that the English learners student group demonstrated a 12-percentage point increase in their graduation rate from 67 percent in 2022-23 to 79 percent in 2023-24. 

"Once again, Tennessee’s unwavering dedication to fostering student success has led us to achieve an extraordinary milestone—setting a new state record for graduation rates for the second consecutive year," TDOE Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds said in a public statement.

"This achievement reflects the tireless efforts of our district and school leaders, educators, and families working together to help all our students achieve their goals and be successful." 

Memphis records highest graduation rate in more than a decade

The state’s largest school district recorded its highest graduation rate in more than a decade.

According to a news release, Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ graduation rate rose by 1.9 percent, growing from 81.5 percent to 83.4 percent. This is the district’s third consecutive year of graduation improvement.

“I am incredibly proud of our students and their focus, especially in the face of challenges. This increase in our graduation rate is a testament to their hard work and the relentless commitment of our campus teams and district leadership,” said Superintendent Dr. Marie N. Feagins. “We will continue to build on this momentum by providing each of our future alumni with the resources, access, and learning experience needed to thrive in any arena at their next level of success.”

According to the release, district’s graduation rate increase for the 2023-2024 school year also represents progress made by traditionally disadvantaged subgroups, including multilingual learners who saw a 12.9 percent increase.

For more information on graduation rates across the state, visit the department’s Data Downloads webpage.