The Tennessee Department of Education has just announced a new record in the statewide graduation rates for the 2024-25 school year, reaching an impressive 92.3 percent. This incremental, yet notable rise builds upon the previous year's 92.1 percent, continuing a trend of academic improvement within the state. According to the Tennessee Department of Education, 1,892 more students graduated in the 2025 cohort than last year, totaling 69,124 graduates across Tennessee.
Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education, praised this steady growth by stating, "Year-over-year gains in the statewide graduation rate exemplify Tennessee’s commitment to ensuring students across the state make it to the graduation stage prepared for success after high school." Districts aren’t just pushing students out of the nest; they are instead equipping them with the tools deemed necessary to soar in a post-high school landscape.
The data also reveals some standout achievements. Nine districts, including Benton County Schools and Tennessee School for the Deaf, achieved graduation rates surpassing 99 percent. Even more broadly, 82 districts witnessed over 95 percent of their students graduating on time. Further strides were made in special education, where the graduation rate for the Students with Disabilities group saw an increase from 81 percent in the 2023-24 school year to 84 percent in 2024-25.
Ensuring these academic heights do not come without targeted efforts. The department highlighted that districts are providing summer programs and tutoring supports, plus innovative college and career exploration opportunities. It's worth mentioning that sixty-nine districts improved their graduation rates from the previous year, with eight districts improving by five percentage points or more, which illustrates the concerted efforts to elevate academic success.
For those delving deeper into the data, the department’s Data Downloads webpage offers a closer look at graduation rates for individual districts and schools. This statistical breakdown provides a transparent view of the educational landscape in Tennessee, fostering accountability and encouraging communities to celebrate their successes while identifying areas for improvement.
