WBLAHS graduation rate continues to climb, District exceeds state grad rate

The 2024 graduation rate at White Bear Lake Area High School* is 96.5%, topping the state rate by 12.3 percentage points and up three percentage points from last year, in data released today by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). This is the second-highest graduation rate amongst area high schools, surpassing Centennial High School, Mounds View High School, Stillwater High School, Irondale High School, Forest Lake Area High School, North Senior High School and Roseville High School. The district follows Mahtomedi High School by 1.3 percentage points.

White Bear Lake Area Schools data, which includes students from WBLAHS along with students from the district’s Area Learning Center (ALC) and Transition Education Center (TEC) programs, shows a 91.6% four-year graduation rate for the class of 2024. This exceeds the state’s graduation rate by 7.4 percentage points.

The Area Learning Center’s graduation rate of 77.5% is the highest ALC rate in the area. This most recent ALC rate is an increase of 26 percentage points since 2021.

“Every cap and gown tells a story of perseverance – of students striving with determination, supported by dedicated teachers and staff members who believe in them every step of the way," said Superintendent Wayne Kazmierczak. "In White Bear Lake Area Schools, we don’t just prepare students to graduate – we prepare them to thrive in life beyond high school.”

Multiple White Bear Lake Area Schools student groups exceeded the statewide average by double-digits: English Learners by 16.1 percentage points, Black students by 18.0, Hispanic or Latino learners by 16.5, and students receiving special education services by 12.8. Also notable are the district’s students eligible for free or reduced-priced meals, who graduated at 9.6 percentage points higher than the Minnesota average.

A district-wide commitment and comprehensive approach to student success has led to meaningful gains for White Bear students. “Graduation rates are one of the ways we measure our progress, but they’re just part of the picture. We are continually assessing how well we’re supporting our students in achieving success," said WBLAHS principal Russ Reetz. "When we focus on helping students answer three core questions – "Do I belong here?", "Is this meaningful?" and "Can I do this?" – we directly foster their confidence, purpose, and ultimately, their achievement. These questions serve as powerful catalysts for the success we are already seeing and are confident will continue to grow.”

Students who do not graduate in four years have the opportunity to continue on in the district through alternative programs at the Area Learning Center, where most earn their diplomas. The district also provides specialized learning opportunities for students with unique educational needs who benefit from continued learning beyond twelfth grade, as outlined in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP). With this planned extension of learning, 98.9% of students completed their WBLAHS experience as intended – either by graduating or continuing on to the district’s age 18-22 Transition Education Center programming.

“High school graduation is more than a milestone – it’s a powerful celebration of each student’s journey, and we’re dedicated to supporting that journey from the very first step into the classroom to the proud walk across the commencement stage,” said Kazmierczak. “We remain deeply committed to each student as they shape their future and realize their full potential. It’s a great time to be a Bear!”

*2024 graduation data is reported as WBLAHS - South Campus. 2025 graduation data will be reported as White Bear Lake Area High School.