Wyoming’s On-Time Graduation Rate Jumps to 83.1%

With input from Wyoming News Now, Jackson Hole News&Guide, and GoCoNow.

Wyoming’s four-year, on-time high school graduation rate ticked up to 83.1% for 2024–25 – a 1.5 percentage-point gain from the year before. That translates to 6,385 students crossing the stage out of a 7,683-student cohort, the largest class counted under the federal cohort method that started in 2009–10.

The numbers are part of a steady climb: the state’s rate has trended upward from about 79.4% in 2014–15 to this year’s 83.1% peak.

State Superintendent Megan Degenfelder framed the improvement as a return to pre-pandemic levels and a win for local priorities.

“Today, we celebrate the increase in statewide graduation rates. Wyoming is back to where we were before the pandemic, and while there is more work to do, it shows what is possible when we keep our priorities where they belong. Thank you to the students, educators, and families who believed in Wyoming and never lowered expectations. This didn’t happen by accident; it happened because we respected local control, stayed focused on students, and honored parental rights. We are proud of this progress, and we aren’t slowing down.”

Local standouts helped push the state upward. Cody High School posted a big gain, jumping 7.1 percentage points from 85.1% to 92.2% this year. Cody High principal Mitch Espeland credited staff and the school’s culture:

“We are very proud of our students and staff for this increase in our graduation rate! Our teachers, counselors, and support staff dedicate hours to ensure students cross that finish line! Our motto at CHS is ‘unbroken spirit, unbridled pride,’ and that attitude is reflected in the graduation rate growth.”

At the district level, Lincoln County School District #2 saw its rate climb 5.1 points to 90.8%. Superintendent Matt Erickson said the rise reflects sustained, district-wide efforts:

“This increase in our graduation rate reflects the intentional work of our teachers and staff from kindergarten through high school, particularly through strong unit development and PLC collaboration focused on ensuring all students are prepared for success at the next level… As a result, student achievement across LCSD #2 continues to rise.”

Statewide progress is clear, with pockets of strong local gains. Officials say the work isn’t finished – but for now, Wyoming’s grads are finishing at higher rates than a year ago.