Class of 2025 Sets New SPS Grad Record!

Springfield Public Schools has reached an historic milestone, posting the highest high school graduation rate in the District’s history.
According to data released by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), 76.9 percent of Springfield students in the Class of 2025 graduated on time during the 2024–2025 school year, surpassing last year’s rate of 74.2 percent.

The nearly three-point increase represents a significant improvement in student outcomes across the district and underscores the impact of expanded academic supports, personalized learning pathways, and strong school-community partnerships. The increase continues the steady rise in graduation rates over the past 15 years. 

Springfield High School achieved nearly a 4 percent improvement, with a historic high of 83.9% graduation rate, well above the previous year’s 80 percent.

Thurston High School also saw an improvement from 87% to 90.4%.

“I am incredibly proud of our staff and students for achieving a 90% graduation rate for our class of 2025,” said Kimberlee Pelster, Thurston High School Principal. “To be sure, we don’t leave relationship formation to chance. We developed a school-wide advisory that builds in time for connections between teacher and students. We’ve fostered student led affinity groups and increased opportunities for students to find a place on campus where they feel they belong. We have formed a student success coaching team who work in partnership with our counselors and teachers and who celebrate and support based on student needs.”

The Academy of Arts and Academics (A3) once again achieved a perfect 100 percent graduation rate.

Director of High Schools, Mindy Leroux attributes the milestones to an evolution in strong relationship-building opportunities with students, increased focus on data-based decisions, collaborative approaches, and improved curriculums.

“Our administrators and staff consistently look for opportunities to engage every student in meaningful ways, which allows them to better understand any barriers and offer solutions for success,” said Leroux. “Our constant attention to data, providing time for staff to collaborate with the data in a meaningful way that directly supports students is making the difference.”

In addition, Leroux believes the increase is connected to the district’s recent investments in Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways. During the past three years, SPS has intentionally adjusted CTE offerings to match student interests and industry demands. The district has added CTE pathways such as Film and Video, Cosmetology, Health Sciences, and Graphic Arts, providing students relevant education tied to their career interests.

“Just taking one CTE class increases a student's probability of graduating,” said Leroux. “We’ve continuously invested in CTE programs that pique students’ interest and keep them engaged in school.”

According to ODE, the state also registered its highest graduation rate in history at 83%, surpassing the previous peak of 82.6% in 2019-20. The Class of 2025 is the first cohort of graduates to have access to in-person learning across all four years of their high school experience, since the end of the Pandemic. The historic milestone also marks the largest gains for all student groups in the last decade, with students with disabilities, American Indian, African Americans, Hispanic, English learners, and migrant students, all registering increases in graduation rates.

Springfield Public Schools will continue to build its reputation as a destination district in Oregon, through a combination of innovative academic programs, targeted intervention strategies, and strong partnerships with families and community organizations designed to keep students engaged and on track to graduate.

Congratulations to all teachers, families and our recent graduates!