Late Tuesday, the Osceola School District reported its overall graduation rate for traditional public and charter high schools for the 2024-2025 school year was a new all-time high of 91.1%.
That news was paired with Department of Education news out of Tallahassee — the state reported Florida’s high school graduation rate reached an all-time high of 92.2% for the 2024-25 school year.
The local rate increased 2.3 percentage points over the prior year and climbed 6.3 percentage points since 2022-2023, School District officials said. The graduation rate for traditional public schools without the charter schools was 93%.. All high schools in Osceola County (non-charter and non-alternative) earned a graduation rate above 93%.
The state rate increased 2.5 percentage points over the prior year and has climbed 4.9 percentage points since 2021-22.
Osceola School Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff said the graduation rate, and the story behind it, "Tells a powerful story."
"It's about what can happen when students are surrounded by belief, opportunity, and unwavering support,” he said. "The Class of 2025’s success is the result of years of commitment from educators who nurtured learning from the very beginning, counselors who championed student goals, leaders who pushed for innovation, and a community that never stopped showing up. While our work continues until every student leaves us equipped for what comes next, this moment affirms that our School Board and 8,000-plus SDOC team members are boldly shaping the future of education—raising expectations, opening doors, and leading with purpose each and every Day One.”
Osceola County School Board Chair Heather Kahoun said the record-breaking graduation rate is a "true testament" to the work of students, educators, families, community, and administrators.
“Getting students across the stage is only part of the mission. We are equally committed to ensuring every graduate leaves with a postsecondary plan—whether college, career, or military—so they are prepared to be productive, successful members of society," she said. "These outstanding result reflects the strength of our schools and our shared commitment to student success.”
Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas touted statewide graduation rate gains among a number of subgroups — English Language Learners, African American students, Hispanic students, students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students over four years.
“Florida’s historic graduation rate reflects the power of Governor (Ron) DeSantis’ strong leadership, clear expectations, and unwavering commitment to student success,” he said. “These achievements demonstrate what can be accomplished when we uphold rigorous standards, provide robust support to schools and prepare every student for success beyond graduation.”
