High school graduation rates hit record high, outpace state average

For the second consecutive year, Osseo Area Schools’ four-year graduation rate exceeded the state average. Overall, the district graduated 85.4% of students in 2025 compared to 84.9% at the state level. The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) shared this information April 3. The 85.4% mark also reflects a .8% increase over 2024 rates and represents the highest mark achieved by the district under the current measuring methods used by MDE. Osseo Senior High’s graduation rate continued to increase to a record-high in 2025, coming in at 89%. This marks a 2% increase year-over-year and a 5% increase since 2023. At Park Center Senior High, more than two out of three student groups (73%) improved graduation rates over last year. As a whole PCSH maintained a four-year graduation rate of 82%, which remains a 7% increase from 2023 rates. Maple Grove Senior High achieved a 94% graduation rate, marking a seventh-consecutive year at 92% or higher, while 279Online saw a 3% increase from 2024 rates. 

“Seeing our graduation rates rise past the state average last year was a very proud moment for our staff, scholars, and families. We knew, however, that it wasn’t about delivering a one-year rise in rates but rather about delivering sustained success,” said Superintendent Dr. Kim Hiel. “This year’s numbers give us further data to affirm the work that all of our educators are doing on a daily basis across our district. This data also serves as motivation to move the work further and to continue to drive our student success outcomes even higher.”

Diving into the details of the data provided by MDE, most racial groups represented at Osseo Area Schools continued to make or sustain gains from 2024 to 2025, including: Hispanic (gain of 1%), Black (gain of 2%) and Multiracial (gain of 3%). There were also gains for students receiving services for multilingual (gain of 3%), free/reduced price meals (gain of 2%) and homeless (gain of 7%). While the four-year graduation rate held steady for American Indian students, the seven-year rate increased to 78%, a mark that is 9% higher than the statewide average.

During the past couple of years, the district has focused on improving student outcomes through district-wide alignment that delivers consistent goals, actions, strategies and measurements. Connecting operational plans to the district’s values, mission and vision has helped create clear pathways to academic growth and accelerated results. The district is committed to continuing that work through annual evaluation and continuous improvement processes to ensure that Osseo Area Schools is providing the best possible opportunities and outcomes for students.

“I’m proud of the work our educators do every day to support student learning and achievement,” Dr. Hiel said. “Their dedication continues to inspire our scholars, preparing them for success now and in the years ahead, and helping them develop their inherent brilliance so they can thrive today and make a meaningful difference in our world tomorrow.”

Four-year graduation rate trends: