High School graduation rates generally rose among Central Oregon school districts for the 2023-24 school year, including in Redmond. Every district had rates above the state average of 81.8%, according to the data released by the Oregon Department of Education Thursday.

Central Oregon’s graduation rates ranged from 85% to 95% for the 2023-24 school year.

The data tracked students who began high school during the 2020-21 school year and completed school with a modified or regular diploma. The education department also released data for students who graduated high school within five years.

Bend-La Pine, Redmond, Crook County

Bend-La Pine Schools had a 85.3% graduation rate in 2023-24, an increase from 83.6% the previous year. This is the district’s second-highest graduation rate in the past 10 years, according to a press release.

La Pine High School saw a graduation rate increase from 70.1% to 78.1%, after having seen a significant increase the previous year.

“I am proud of the quality of teachers and staff, and the variety of programs we offer that ensure all students can earn a diploma, regardless of their background, and open doors for a limitless future after they leave. Our continuing goal is to raise graduation rates, and together we know we can,” said La Pine High Principal Scott Olszewski in a district press release.

Students in career and technical education graduated at a 91.3% rate in 2024, up from 90.4%. The district offers those classes at all seven high schools.

Caldera High School had its first graduating class in 2024, with a graduation rate of 82.2%.

The district’s five-year graduation rate was 87%.

Redmond School District’s graduation rate rose from 87.3% last year to 90.9%. This puts Redmond in the top 10% of districts in the state for growth, said district officials in a press release.

Superintendent Charan Cline was proud of the district’s accomplishments, and said the high graduation rate was due to the district’s educators from elementary through high school.

Dave Burke, the district’s director of secondary programs, praised the academic programs designed to provide success for all students.

Crook County’s graduation rate dipped slightly to 95.5% from 97.3%.

Jefferson County, Sisters, Culver

Jefferson County School District increased its graduation rate from 87.3% to 91.5% for the 2023-24 school year.

There were particular gains among American Indian/Alaska Native students, who increased their graduation rate by 7.5% to land at 86.3%.

Students who were English language learners in high school increased their graduation rate by nearly 11%.

“We’re proud of the work from our students, staff and families that is represented in this record high graduation rate for our district,” said Superintendent Jay Mathisen in a statement. “Such group and performance across all student groups is a testament to the hard work of our staff, students, school leaders and strong partnerships with our families.”

Sisters School District’s graduation rate was 92.6%, down from 93.6% the prior year.

Culver School District’s graduation rate dipped from 92% to 90.9%.