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Here's what this newly released data says about APS' graduation rates
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Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect correct percentage points.
Albuquerque Public Schools’ graduation rate increased by 4 percentage points from the previous school year, with nearly 76% of students from the class of 2024 receiving a diploma, the district said in a news release last week.
It is the second year the district has seen an uptick in graduation rates after an increase of nearly 2 percentage points for the class of 2023, putting the district as a whole at 72%.
Among the high schools with the highest graduation rates for 2024 was La Cueva with 91.3% of students receiving a diploma, followed by Volcano Vista with 89% and Sandia with 82%.
Additionally, Highland High School, which posted a graduation rate of 55% in 2023, jumped to 66% in 2024 — the second-highest jump in the district.
The improvement in graduation numbers for APS also falls in line with the state’s trend. According to the New Mexico Public Education Department, 78% of students statewide graduated in 2024, which it said was the “highest total number of graduating students in the last 15 years.” In 2023, 76% of New Mexico students graduated.
“Several large Albuquerque area high schools demonstrated measurable improvements in graduation outcomes, including Highland, Valley, Sandia, Eldorado, Rio Grande and Albuquerque High,” PED spokesperson Janelle García said in a statement.
While most APS high schools saw increases from the previous year, Del Norte’s rate dropped by 0.2 percentage points and West Mesa saw a nearly 4 percentage point decrease.
In the statement released by the district, Superintendent Gabriella Blakey said the district is going in the right direction, “but I know we can do better.”
