Native American Schools See Big Jump in Graduation Rates

Students on the Puyallup Reservation in Washington found a new reason to stay in school when they were given the chance to learn through hands-on job training. One student, Gerald Dillon, was able to turn his academic experience around by working as a teaching assistant in a second-grade classroom. Dillon's story is not unique. Across the US, Native American students are graduating at higher rates than ever before.

In 2015, only half of high school students in schools run by the US Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) graduated within four years. By 2025, that number had soared to a record high of 79%. The BIE oversees 183 schools serving over 40,000 students.

So, what's behind this surge in graduation rates? Some educators point to local innovations, such as a focus on technical training and career readiness. At Chief Leschi Schools in Washington, administrators launched a career and technical curriculum in 2020. The program has helped students like Dillon find new motivation to stay in school.

The way graduation rates are reported has also changed. In the past, school administrators used flawed methods to track graduation rates, often counting students who had transferred to other schools as dropouts. But in 2018, the BIE began standardizing data collection methods. This change has led to more accurate and encouraging data.

An analysis of BIE data found that graduation rates are up 55% since new reporting standards began rolling out. Nine secondary schools reported 100% growth or higher.

But not all schools are seeing the same level of success. Some tribal governments are struggling to provide resources and support to their schools. The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, for example, has a BIE-operated high school that is chronically understaffed and in need of repairs.

Tribal leaders are also pushing back against changes to the education system. They fear that progress could be undermined by the dismantling of the federal Department of Education and cuts to funding.

Despite these challenges, educators remain hopeful. They believe that with the right support and resources, Native American students can continue to thrive. By focusing on local innovations and providing more accurate data, schools can help students like Dillon find their path to success.