Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Albert Lea Area Schools saw a small decline in its graduation rates in 2024, though Albert Lea High School remains above the state average, according to data released Wednesday from the Minnesota Department of Education.

The data showed that 171 students, or 86.4%, of students graduated from Albert Lea High School, and 13 students, or 27.1%, graduated from the Area Learning Center. Districtwide, the graduation rate was 74.2%, with a combined 184 students graduating.

That is down from 181 students, or 88.3%, in 2023, for Albert Lea High School and 16 students, or 28.6%, for the Area Learning Center. The districtwide graduation rate that year was 75.6%, with a total of 201 students graduating.

“In looking at trend data, we celebrate Albert Lea High School’s ability to remain above the state average. However, the graduation rate data does prompt a call to action for proactive analysis and strategic planning,” the school district said in a press release. “While this decline poses a challenge, it also underscores the importance of asking probing questions and disaggregating data to identify underlying factors and opportunities for growth.”

The release stated the district acknowledges the challenges posed by attendance, engagement and meeting the needs of students with various ability levels.

“As a district, we are prioritizing multi-tiered systems of support for our student body as it is imperative that students have access to rigorous Tier 1 instruction; however, we must also address any academic, social, emotional and behavioral differences that may exist. We remain committed to addressing these challenges head-on through targeted interventions, enhanced support structures and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure every student receives the necessary resources for academic success. Our ongoing commitment to student achievement and equity drives our resolve to overcome these obstacles and improve outcomes for all learners.

Statewide, 59,720 students — or 84.2% of the 2024 class — graduated, which is the highest the state has ever recorded. According to the Minnesota Department of Education, the statewide data showed increases for students in the American Indian, Asian, Black, Hispanic or Latino and white student groups. Graduation rates also increased for English learners, students from low-income families and students receiving special education services.

“The students of the class of 2024 worked hard and overcame challenges to achieve this milestone,” said Commissioner Willie Jett. “I am thrilled to see the success of many of our student groups — especially those most at risk — and a closing of the achievement gap as we work to make sure every student, of every background, zip code and ability has access to a world-class education. I am also grateful for the educators, families and communities who stood behind these graduates and supported their needs and encouraged their successes. Their achievement is evidence that investing in kids pays off.”

The statewide graduation rate in 2023 was 83.3%.

Graduation rates

Albert Lea Area Schools
2024: 184 students, 74.2%
2023: 201 students, 75.6%
2022: 228 students, 78.1%
2021: 186 students, 71.8%
2020: 220 students, 80.9%

Albert Lea High School
2024: 171 students, 86.4%
2023: 181 students, 88.3%
2022: 188 students, 88.6%
2021: 166 students, 85.6%
2020: 181 students, 85.8%

Albert Lea Area Learning Center
2024: 13 students, 27.1%
2023: 16 students, 28.6%
2022: 25 students, 41.7%
2021: 20 students, 30.8%
2020: 39 students, 63.9%

Alden-Conger Public Schools
2024: 30 students, 96.8%
2023: 34 students, 100%
2022: 24 students, 92.3%
2021: 46 students, 88.5%
2020: 35 students, 94.6%

Glenville-Emmons Schools
2024: 10 students, 100%
2023: 15 students, 88.2%
2022: 14 students, 82.4%
2021: 20 students, 87%
2020: 10 students, 100%

NRHEG School District
2024: 57 students, 95%
2023: 68 students, 88.3%
2022: 56 students, 84.8%
2021: 65 students, 84.4%
2020: 52 students, 89.7%

United South Central School District
2024: 44 students, 91.7%
2023: 32 students, 74.4%
2022: 45 students, 84.9%
2021: 48 students, 88.9%
2020: 42 students, 85.7%