Photo by Richard Hurd
MMSD High School Completion Rate Climbs Nearly Nine Percentage Points, Attendance Also Increases, Per New State Data
MADISON, Wis.—Newly released state data show continued long-term growth in high school completion across the Madison Metropolitan School District, along with steady improvements in student attendance following the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Districtwide, 85.2% of MMSD students completed high school in the 2024–25 school year, representing an increase of nearly nine percentage points since the state began tracking the four-year adjusted cohort rate in 2009-10, when the district’s completion rate was 76.5%.
“Every student who crosses the stage at graduation represents years of hard work and support from educators, families and the broader community,” said Superintendent Joe Gothard.
MMSD’s four comprehensive high schools achieved completion rates above 84% in 2024–25. Completion rates by school were as follows:
- Vel Phillips Memorial High School: 90.7%
- West High School: 89.1%
- Robert M. La Follette High School: 86.2%
- East High School: 84.4%
Attendance rates have also shown steady improvement since the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Districtwide attendance reached 89.3% in the 2024–25 school year, continuing an upward trend from 87.5% in 2021–22 and 87.8% in 2022–23.
Gothard noted that while the upward trend in graduation and attendance is encouraging, MMSD’s efforts to support student achievement remain ongoing.
“The climb in completion and attendance rates shows what’s possible when we focus on student success,” Gothard said. “We’re committed to giving every student the opportunities they deserve so they are ready for college, career and life. Until then, our work remains unfinished. We won’t stop until their paths are cleared and they have a solid foundation for the future.”
The Madison Metropolitan School District continues to support students through strategies designed to strengthen engagement and keep students on track for graduation, including expanded academic supports, credit recovery opportunities and college and career readiness programs.
Learn more about Madison Metropolitan School District schools, programs and student outcomes at the district’s website.
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About the Madison Metropolitan School District
The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.