Boston Public Schools Graduation Rate Hits All-Time High

Boston Public Schools (BPS) reached a historic milestone last year, achieving the highest four-year graduation rate in the district's history at 81.3%. This figure represents a 1.6% increase from 2024.

According to data released by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, over 400 more students received their diplomas last year compared to 2024.

Boston Public Schools (BPS) attained a historic milestone last year, attaining a four-year graduation rate that is the highest in the district's history at 81.3%. This figure represents a 1.6% increase from 2024.

According to data released by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education shows, over 400 more students received their diplomas last year compared to 2024.

The report also had more good news for BPS: Boston students across demographics saw gains in graduation rates, with an almost 5% increase for English learners, and more than 5% for students with disabilities. Additionally, BPS's dropout rate dropped to 3.6%, a 0.9% decrease, the district said. Last year marked the lowest dropout rate on record, not including the “pandemic-impacted year of 2021,” BPS said.

Despite these gains, BPS's four-year graduation rate still lags behind the state's average of 89.3, eight points higher than Boston's. The state dropout rate dropped below 2% for 2025, The Boston Globe reported.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu joined BPS Superintendent Mary Skipper during a news conference at Dearborn STEM Academy in Roxbury on Monday, March 9, to celebrate these achievements. 

“BPS has made important investments in strengthening instruction and student supports, expanding early college and career pathways, and addressing chronic absenteeism so students stay connected to their learning,” BPS Superintendent Mary Skipper said in a statement shared with Boston.com. “We are encouraged by this progress.”

“When students feel challenged, they stay engaged,” Wu said in a statement published by The Boston Globe. She noted that expanded AP courses and new college-preparation programs increased student achievement. “We didn't get here by lowering any expectations for students who might be experiencing challenges or moving the goal posts and making it easier for people to get by.”