Jan. 3—GOSHEN — Fairfield Community Schools’ Class of 2024 had the highest graduation rate in Elkhart County according to the newest Indiana Department of Education graduation rate records.
IDOE released the 2024 graduation rates publicly on Dec. 30.
“Fairfield’s 99.21% graduation rate, (the) highest in the county and 18th in the state, is the result of the efforts of our students, staff, and parents working together with the common goal of all of our students learning and growing at high levels to be prepared for their future,” said Monica Kegerreis, Assistant Superintendent of Fairfield Community Schools. “Our school counselors meet with all students and families in the spring of eighth grade to develop a graduation plan. Counselors meet with students annually to monitor and edit graduation plans. Our Falcon Foundations program also recognizes students and staff embodying characteristics for success. Our teachers are working as professional learning teams to analyze student performances on essential standards and adjust instruction to support students. Overall, we have a staff that loves our students and students who are proud to be Falcons.”
Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School reported a 99.21% graduation rate and a non-waiver graduation rate at 94.44%. For Fairfield, it’s a substantially higher margin than the 2023 numbers, 94.21% with a non-waiver graduation rate of 88.43%.
And the district isn’t the only one to see an increase in graduation rates.
“Over the past year, we have celebrated a number of successes in K-12 education, and there is urgency to continue this positive momentum for Indiana students,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “As a state, we have seen literacy rates increase for the third consecutive year, chronic absenteeism rates improve for the second year in a row, and today, the highest state graduation rate on record. Thanks to the collaboration of educators, families and communities, these represent just a few examples of the improved student outcomes we are seeing across the state. Together, we must continue to keep our foot on the gas pedal in 2025, ensuring we keep improving our education system in Indiana and increasing opportunities for students.
Due to differences between federal and state accountability equations and standards, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) also released 2024 federal graduation rates. In 2024, Indiana’s federal graduation rate was 88.67%, up from 87.52% in 2023.
Northridge High School was again identified as having one of the highest graduation rates in Elkhart County per the newest records. It’s the second year in a row that the Middlebury-based district has been a standout. Northridge’s graduation rate was reported at 98.54% as compared to its 96.4% rate in 2023.