Florida sets highest graduation rate in state’s history at 92.2%, Alachua County’s graduation rate increases to 93.9%

Staff report from Alachua County Public Schools and Florida Dept. of Education press releases

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – The percentage of students graduating on time from Alachua County Public Schools’ traditional high schools rose again in 2025, according to data released today by the Florida Department of Education.

The district’s on-time graduation rate in district-run high schools reached 93.9% this year, up from 92.7% last year and nearly four percentage points higher than just two years ago. All seven of the district’s traditional high schools — Buchholz, Eastside, Gainesville, Hawthorne, Newberry, Professional Academies Magnet at Loften, and Santa Fe — posted on-time graduation rates above 90%.

Governor Ron DeSantis also announced in today’s State of the State speech that Florida’s high school graduation rate reached a record-breaking 92.2% for the 2024-25 school year. This marks the highest graduation rate in Florida’s history. The rate increased 2.5 percentage points over the prior year and has climbed 4.9 percentage points since 2021-22, reflecting sustained progress under Governor DeSantis’s leadership.

“Florida’s historic graduation rate reflects the power of Governor DeSantis’ strong leadership, clear expectations, and unwavering commitment to student success,” said Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas. “These achievements demonstrate what can be accomplished when we uphold rigorous standards, provide robust support to schools and prepare every student for success beyond graduation.”

More Alachua County results

PAM at Loften High had the district’s highest on-time graduation rate at 96.7%. Hawthorne High School recorded the largest year-over-year increase, climbing from 82% in 2024 to 94.1% in 2025. Santa Fe High School posted the second-largest gain, rising from 86.4% to 90.1%.

The overall graduation rate for all publicly-funded schools serving 12th-grade students in Alachua County — including independently-operated charter schools and schools serving students with special needs — also increased, rising from 84.1% last year to 87.7% this year.

 “We’re pleased that the percentage of students graduating on time from Alachua County Public Schools continues to rise,” said Superintendent Dr. Kamela Patton. “This progress is a testament to the dedication of our educators — from elementary through middle and high school — who work every day to prepare students at all grade levels for success.”

Buchholz High School	95.6%
Eastside High School	92.2%
Gainesville High School	93.7%
Hawthorne Middle High School	94.1%
Professional Academies Magnet at Loften High School	96.7%
Newberry High School	96.1%
Santa Fe High School	90.1%
Traditional ACPS-Operated High Schools	93.9%