Florida’s high school graduation rates have reached unprecedented levels, marking a significant milestone in the state’s educational progress. The state Department of Education reported a record-breaking graduation rate of 92.2% for the 2024-25 academic year, demonstrating a consistent rise since the COVID-19 pandemic.
South Florida districts have mirrored this upward trend. Broward County achieved a rate of 91.4% in 2025, increasing from 89% in the previous year. Palm Beach County recorded a graduation rate of 93.5%, while Miami-Dade’s rate was at 93.1%, both showing notable improvements from the last year.
Broward Superintendent Howard Hepburn expressed pride in these results, attributing them to the efforts of students, educators, and community members. “They are a testament to the hard work happening in all our schools and the strong leadership of our School Board. Our students are rising to the challenge, our educators are giving their all, and our families and community partners are supporting our students every step of the way. This achievement is something all of Broward County can celebrate together,” he stated.
In Broward, all traditional district-run high schools reported graduation rates above 90%, with seven schools achieving a perfect 100%. The overall rate for district-managed schools, which includes alternative centers but excludes charter schools, was 93.9%, according to district spokesman John Sullivan.
Despite recent challenges, including school closures and management issues, these results offer a positive outlook for Broward. However, Governor Ron DeSantis has criticized the district’s operations as “a disaster”.
Miami-Dade schools also reported a strong performance with a 95% graduation rate for district-operated schools. The district credited its commitment to excellence, innovation, and safety for these achievements.
Palm Beach County Superintendent Mike Burke celebrated the district’s high rates, emphasizing the focus on academic excellence. “Maintaining high graduation rates requires a relentless focus on academic excellence and a commitment to preparing every student to be college and workforce ready,” he remarked. “This success affirms our status as an ‘A’ rated, Academically High-Performing School District and is driven by the collective effort of ‘Team Palm Beach’ and the support of our community. Congratulations to our graduates and their families!”
The push for higher graduation rates has been crucial as these figures influence school letter grades, with 82% of Florida schools receiving an A or B last year. Governor DeSantis highlighted these achievements in his “State of the State” address, underscoring the administration’s dedication to education.
Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas praised the governor’s leadership, stating, “Florida’s historic graduation rate reflects the power of Governor DeSantis’ strong leadership, clear expectations, and unwavering commitment to student success. These achievements demonstrate what can be accomplished when we uphold rigorous standards, provide robust support to schools and prepare every student for success beyond graduation.”
For more detailed statistics on graduation rates across schools and districts, visit the Department of Education’s website.
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