The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) released graduation data today, highlighting a year of record-breaking achievement across the state. Hood River County School District (HRCSD) continues to significantly outperform state averages, posting a district-wide four-year cohort graduation rate of 89.6 percent.

This accomplishment comes as Oregon celebrates a new statewide record graduation rate of 83.0 percent for the Class of 2025. HRCSD’s rate of 89.6% places the district more than 6 percentage points above the new state milestone.

“This 89.6% graduation rate is a testament to the hard work of our students and the support of our educators and community,” said Superintendent Bill Newton. “While the state as a whole is seeing historic progress, we are proud that Hood River County continues to set a high bar for excellence and student success.”

Key highlights from the 2024-25 data:

• Sixth Year of High Achievement: Hood County School District maintained its individual standard of excellence, with a five-year average graduation rate of 88.9%. 
• CTE Success: Students who concentrated in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs continue to be a leading group, with a graduation rate of 98.8 percent, exceeding the state’s record CTE rate of 97.8%.
• Supporting All Learners: The district saw continued strong performance among historically underserved groups. The graduation rate for Hispanic/Latino students reached 88.60 percent, nearly 7 points higher than the state average for this group (79.9%). 
• Students experiencing poverty (SEP): HRCSD was 82.2% while the state average was 71.3%. These students receive SNAP or TANF or were in foster care or experiencing houselessness or received migrant services.
• Migrant students: HRCSD was 94.3% while the state average was 82.9%. 
• Growth in Inclusion: HRCSD students with disabilities graduated at a rate of 86.80 percent, a significant achievement compared to the statewide average of 72.2% for students in special education.
• Multilingual Excellence: Emerging Bilingual students in the district achieved a graduation rate of 89.60 percent, far exceeding the state’s 69.8% average for English Learners.

Superintendent Newton noted that these figures reflect the district’s comprehensive, long-term support model. 

"Graduation is the result of years of support starting in our elementary classrooms,” said Superintendent Newton. “We are seeing the benefits of our focused investments in literacy, credit recovery, re-engagement, and equity-based student supports."

As the school district looks forward, HRCSD remains committed to its mission: for every student to graduate from high school with the knowledge and courage to learn, serve, and pursue their dreams.