White Bear Lake Area High School graduation rate highest in the area

The 2025 reported graduation rate at White Bear Lake Area High School (WBLAHS) is 97.32%, topping the state rate by 12.38 percentage points and increasing by 0.80 percentage points from last year, according to data released today by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). This graduation rate ranks among the highest in the Twin Cities metro area, surpassing neighboring Mahtomedi, Centennial, Mounds View, Stillwater, Irondale, Forest Lake Area, North Senior and Roseville High Schools. Notably, WBLAHS also exceeded graduation rates at Minnetonka, Wayzata, Eden Prairie and Edina High Schools.

“I am incredibly proud of our Class of 2025,” said WBLAHS Principal Russ Reetz. “They stepped into leadership roles as we came together in our beautiful grades 9-12 building, and their hard work has led to truly outstanding accomplishments – this graduation rate among them.”

Districtwide data, which includes students from WBLAHS as well as the district’s Area Learning Center (ALC) and Transition Education Center (TEC) programs, shows a 93.9% four-year graduation rate for the class of 2025 – 8.96 percentage points above the state average.

The Area Learning Center achieved a graduation rate of 82.22%, the highest ALC rate in the area and an increase of more than 30 percentage points since 2021.

“Our steadily climbing graduation rate is one indicator that students are benefiting from our school’s core values of Relationships, Ownership, Awareness, and Respect (ROAR),” said Reetz. “While it reflects important progress, it is just one of many ways we measure the quality of our students’ experiences and learning. As students walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, they are prepared to pursue futures they have thoughtfully designed for themselves – guided and supported every step of the way by a community of adults deeply invested in their success.”

Graduation rates are considered one of public education's most important measures, reflecting sustained student engagement over time rather than performance on a single test. The district’s multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) – including personalized planning, targeted recovery and re-engagement efforts, increased academic rigor, and expanded opportunities for exploration – continues to support strong student outcomes and readiness for college and careers.

Several student groups at White Bear Lake Area Schools exceeded statewide averages by double-digit margins, including English Learners (+22.05), Black students (+12.84), Hispanic or Latino students (+18.47) and students receiving special education services (+9.45). Especially noteworthy, Black students at WBLAHS achieved a 100% graduation rate. Students eligible for free or reduced-priced meals also outperformed the state average by 13.11 percentage points.

Students who do not graduate within four years have continued opportunities through the Area Learning Center, where most go on to earn their diplomas. The district also provides specialized programming through the Transition Education Center for students ages 18-22 whose Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) support extended learning. With these pathways, 98.3% of students completed their WBLAHS experience as intended – either by graduating or continuing in transition programming.

“The Class of 2025 holds a special place in our district’s history,” said Superintendent Wayne Kazmierczak. “As the first class of Bears to graduate from a grades 9-12 high school in more than 40 years, they have helped shape a new chapter – one defined by high expectations, strong relationships, and an inspiring learning environment. Their impressive achievement is a testament to their hard work and to the educators who have created spaces – both physical and relational – where students can truly thrive.”