Albuquerque Public Schools See Graduation Gains, But Gaps Persist for Native American and Low-Income Students
Brant.One News Desk 
APS sees increase in graduation rate. Photo via Unsplash.com
Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) reported a notable rise in graduation rates for the Class of 2024, achieving a 75.9% graduation rate—up 4.3 percentage points from the previous year. This improvement surpasses the state’s overall increase, as New Mexico’s public high schools saw a 1.3 percentage point rise, reaching a 78% graduation rate.
Among APS high schools, La Cueva High School led with a 91.3% graduation rate, marking an 11.5 percentage point increase. Volcano Vista High School followed closely at 89.2% (up 6.9 points).
Schools of choice also showed strong performance: Early College Academy achieved a 99.75% graduation rate (a 7.2-point rise), while College and Career High School reached 96.3% (up 9.3 points).
However, disparities persist among different student groups. White, non-Hispanic students experienced the highest increase at 4.9 percentage points, followed by Hispanic students at 4.5 points and Black students at 1.2 points.
Conversely, Native American students saw a 2.8-point decline. English learners had the most significant improvement, with a 6.8-point increase, while graduation rates for economically disadvantaged students decreased by 0.4 points.
Superintendent Gabriella Blakey acknowledged the progress, stating, “This increase shows APS is going in the right direction, but I know we can do better.” She emphasized the district’s commitment to enhancing the high school experience and addressing the needs of underrepresented student groups.
The APS Board of Education has set goals to improve outcomes for Native American and Black students, as well as for English learners, economically disadvantaged students, and those in special education programs. Efforts include reimagining graduation requirements and implementing initiatives focused on career and college readiness.
While APS’s graduation rate remains below the national average of 87%, these gains indicate positive momentum. Continued focus on equity and targeted support aims to sustain and build upon this progress.
