posted on
As students across New Mexico don their caps and gowns to celebrate graduation season, it’s also a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made. A few weeks ago, the New Mexico Public Education Department released graduation data for the Class of 2024, showing an encouraging rise in the state’s four-year graduation rate—from 76.7 percent in 2023 to 78.05 percent in 2024. These graduates began high school during the height of the pandemic in the 2020–2021 school year, facing unique challenges shaped by virtual and hybrid learning. As we celebrate their perseverance, this data also offers an opportunity to better understand what’s working—and where continued focus and investment are needed to keep improving outcomes for all students
Statewide Performance: Progress and Gaps
The overall graduation rate increased by 1.35 percentage points. Male students improved from 73.6 percent to 75.1 percent, and female students increased from 79.9 percent to 80.81 percent. Native American students experienced a decline from 74.7 percent to 73.4 percent. African American and Asian students also saw small declines. English learners showed significant improvement, rising from 74.9 percent to 77.5 percent. Military-connected students had the largest gain, rising from 85 percent to 96.3 percent. While the Class of 2024’s progress and resilience is worth celebrating, it is tempered by the reality of persistently low math and reading scores, grade inflation, and the lasting effects of pandemic learning loss.
Performance Among New Mexico’s Largest School Districts
Graduation results in the state’s largest districts varied. Roswell had the largest increase, moving from 70.7 percent to 74.5 percent. Albuquerque Public Schools improved from 69.9 percent to 73.5 percent. Hobbs increased from 83.9 percent to 85.9 percent. Gallup-McKinley experienced the largest decline from 76.7 percent to 73.9 percent. Several other districts saw small declines, while Santa Fe maintained a steady rate of 83.1 percent.
In addition to its districtwide increase of 3.6 percentage points, many schools within APS made notable gains. La Cueva High School increased by 11.45 percentage points. Highland High rose by 10.84 points. Volcano Vista High improved by 6.93 points, while Rio Grande High rose by 5.65 points. Valley High and Albuquerque High increased by 8.0 and 5.06 points, respectively. Eldorado High and Sandia High also improved, gaining 6.6 and 6.69 points, respectively. While West Mesa High and Del Norte High saw slight declines, most APS high schools demonstrated positive momentum, highlighting a districtwide trend of continued progress.
Spotlight on Gadsden ISD
Gadsden Independent School District maintained a graduation rate of 87 percent, outperforming the state average. English learners, economically disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities in Gadsden graduated at higher rates than their peers statewide. In addition, students in Gadsden outperformed the state in math and reading proficiency for Yazzie-Martinez subgroups on the most recent statewide assessment. Alta Vista Early College High School, located in the district, reported a 100 percent graduation rate, the highest in the state.
Looking Ahead
The graduation rates for the Class of 2024 are encouraging, but they also highlight the ongoing work needed to ensure every student in New Mexico graduates not just with a diploma, but fully prepared for college, career, and life. Literacy and readiness must be the foundation of every graduate’s experience. To see how your local school district performed, visit the public education department’s website.
At NewMexicoKidsCAN, we remain committed to ensuring every New Mexico student receives a high-quality education and a diploma that truly prepares them for whatever path they choose next. Thank you for standing with us in this work.