News Summary
Alabama’s high school graduation rates have hit nearly 92% for the Class of 2024, reflecting a robust recovery after pandemic disruptions. Approximately 48,067 out of 52,500 students graduated on time, with notable improvements seen among various demographics, including Hispanic students and those in poverty. As the state prepares to introduce new diploma options for the Class of 2026, education leaders express optimism about ongoing reforms and rising standards. Alabama also recorded the lowest chronic absenteeism rates in the nation, signifying further progress in the educational system.
Birmingham, Alabama – Alabama’s high school graduation rates have reached nearly 92% for the Class of 2024, marking a significant recovery following the disruptions caused by the pandemic. This improvement reflects a growing commitment to educational resilience and reform within the state.
Out of 52,500 students in the Class of 2024, a total of 48,067 students graduated on time, which is defined as completing high school four years after entering the ninth grade. The state’s dropout rate has also dropped to its lowest level since it began tracking federal guidelines, recorded at just under 4%.
Notable advancements have been seen among various student demographics that have historically encountered challenges. Graduation rates for Hispanic students and students learning to speak English have shown substantial improvement. Additionally, there has been a significant increase in graduation rates for students in poverty, students with disabilities, and students experiencing homelessness. While the gap in graduation rates between genders is narrowing, male students continue to lag behind their female counterparts. Though some racial disparities remain, certain groups are now approaching or exceeding their pre-pandemic graduation levels.
State Superintendent Eric Mackey expressed optimism regarding the latest graduation data, while also recognizing the ongoing need for improvement in some areas. The state is poised to implement updates to graduation requirements beginning with the Class of 2026, introducing two different diploma options. The first option, known as the traditional “four-by-four” curriculum, will require four credits each in English, math, science, and social studies, in addition to eight more credits in various subjects. The second option will provide a workforce pathway diploma, which will allow certain core subjects to be substituted with career tech courses for students who are not pursuing higher education.
For the classes of 2024 and 2025, students are required to complete a total of 24 credits to graduate. Meanwhile, the upcoming Class of 2026 is expected to benefit from these two distinct pathways to meet the same credit requirement. The Alabama State Department of Education has reported a College and Career Readiness (CCR) rate of 87%, with plans to require at least one CCR indicator for graduation for students beginning in this class.
In a further indication of progress, reports indicate that Alabama had the lowest rate of chronic absenteeism in the nation for the 2023-24 school year. Despite these overall improvements in attendance rates, chronic absenteeism remains a challenge within certain communities across the state.
Alabama’s graduation rates have not only rebounded but have surpassed the levels recorded during the pandemic. State education leaders attribute these positive outcomes to recent investments made in the educational system and a series of reforms initiated over the past few years.
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Additional Resources
- Al Daily News
- WVUA 23
- Alabama Reflector
- Yellowhammer News
- Google Search: Alabama high school graduation rates
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
