St. Cloud Area School District Reports 2025 Graduation Rate Increase

(KNSI) — The St. Cloud Area School District saw its 2025 four-year graduation rate climb to 70.7% in 2025, up from 66.1% the previous year, according to data released Friday morning by the Minnesota Department of Education.

At the school level, Tech High School exceeded the statewide average of 84.9% to reach 85.3%. Apollo High School came in at 77.1% and continues to trend upward toward the state average. McKinley Alternative Learning Center reported a 43.5% graduation rate, which the district says reflects its mission of serving students from across central Minnesota through non-traditional pathways to graduation.

There were errors in the graduation data submitted to the MDE, which school officials disclosed. The submission was missing 24 students who had graduated and had not yet removed 12 students who had enrolled elsewhere. The district corrected the data and says it is strengthening internal processes, including clearer staff roles, required verification steps, and leadership review before future submissions.

“District 742 remains focused on ensuring all students graduate prepared for college, career, and civic life. We are making real progress for students, and we will continue to strengthen both our outcomes and the systems that reflect that progress,” said Superintendent Dr. Laurie Putnam. “This progress reflects the hard work of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the support of our families and community.”

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