Graduation rates for Minneapolis schools keep climbing, especially at North HS

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - Graduation rates for Minneapolis Public Schools are continuing to climb, with 67 percent of students graduating within four years – the highest graduation rate in the district has seen in the last 10 years.

North High School in north Minneapolis has seen one of the most dramatic increases in the last few years and currently boasts the highest graduation rate of MPS’ seven community high schools. 81.5 percent of students now graduate within four years. Just three years ago, that number was only 36.8 percent.

Principal Dr. Shawn Harris-Berry credits the small academy style setting put in place.

"Students are assigned advisors and advisors are assigned no more than 10 students,” said Dr. Berry. “They are really responsible for the social, academic and emotional needs of the students and they meet with those students every day. So you have some really solid relationships that are built.”

Graduation rates also increased among both African American students and Asian students at North High School, increasing by seven and five percent respectively.

“We are proud to see growth in our graduation rates,” Superintendent Ed Graff said in a statement. “The urgency around addressing the achievement gap is real, and while we are celebrating some good news today, we are also mindful that we have significantly more work to do as a district and as a community to support all students.”

Dr. Berry points out there’s always room for improvement. This year the school launched a STEM academy, putting the school on pace to increase enrollment even more next year.
               
“Rebuilding North High is actually rebuilding the north side community,” said Dr. Berry.