Indiana’s Class of 2024 posted the highest graduation rate in recorded state history, the Department of Education reported on Monday.

Officials said 90.2% of students graduated, compared to 89% last year.

The state cited gains in every demographic group as well.

Secretary of Education Katie Jenner said there’s an urgency to continue the progress, including the increase in literacy rates and decline in chronic absenteeism.

“Thanks to the collaboration of educators, families, and communities, these represent just a few examples of the improved student outcomes we are seeing across the state. Together, we must continue to keep our foot on the gas pedal in 2025, ensuring we keep improving our education system in Indiana and increasing opportunities for students,” she said in a statement.

The state’s non-waiver graduation rate improved from 84.9% in 2023 to 87.5%.

To qualify for a waiver, a student must complete postsecondary requirements by the end of their senior year.

Officials also said due to differences between federal and state accountability equations and standards, Indiana’s federal graduation rate was 88.67%, up from 87.52% in 2023.To learn more, see the Indiana Department of Education website’s data center for 2024 graduation information.

The state reported graduation rates for:

Black students — from 82.4% to 84%

Hispanic students — from 86% to 88%

White students — from 90.7% to 92%

English learners — from 88% to 89%

Special education students — from 83% to 85%

Free/reduced meals — 89% to 91.5%

Traditional public schools — 92.4%

Charter schools — 58.6%

Private — 92.3%

2024 Indiana graduation rate*

State: 90.2%

Lake County

Hanover Central 94.3%

River Forest 89%

Merrillville 94%

Lake Central 96%

Lowell 98%

Calumet 94%

Crown Point 98%

East Chicago 89%

Lake Station 71%

Gary West Side 65%

Griffith 92%

Hammond Central 77%

Hammond Morton 74%

Highland 98%

Hobart 90%

Munster 98%

Whiting 97%

Porter County

Hebron 96%

Chesterton 98%

Morgan Twp. 93%

Kouts 92%

Washington Twp. 100%

Boone Grove 100%

Wheeler 98%

Portage 96%

Valparaiso 99%

Charter schools

Thea Bowman 95%

Gary Lighthouse 85%

21st Century 79%

HAST 97%

Steel City Acad. 69%

Private

Andrean 100%

Bishop Noll 98%

Illiana Christian 100%

*Source: Indiana Department of Education

Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.