Data-Driven Education Journalism for the Beaver State
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Oregon's third-largest district hit 43.1% chronic absenteeism in 2024-25, more than double its pre-COVID rate, with 48.3% of Hispanic students chronically absent.
Oregon's LEP graduation rate of 70% masks a complex picture. Former English learners graduate at 89.5%, above average. The four-year clock is the barrier.
In 2015, Hispanic and white students had nearly identical absence rates. By 2025, the gap had grown roughly sixfold to 9.8 points (40.5% vs 30.7%).
Oregon's white-Hispanic graduation gap narrowed from 14.7 to 4.6 points since 2010. Hispanic students gained 24.7 points; in 23 districts they now lead.
Medford SD 549C improved its graduation rate for 8 consecutive reporting years, climbing from 61.6% in 2010 to 88.1% in 2025.
Oregon's Native American graduation rate improved from 50% to 74% since 2010. Jefferson County graduates at 87%, Portland at 48%.
16 of 178 Oregon school districts have returned to pre-pandemic chronic absenteeism levels. None of the state's 10 largest districts are among them.
Oregon's graduation rate for students with disabilities climbed from 41.8% to 72.2% over 15 years, the largest subgroup gain. But did standards also change?
Oregon's chronic absenteeism rate stands at 33.5%, with 174,000 students missing 10% or more of the school year. At the current pace, recovery to pre-pandemic levels won't come until 2037.
Oregon's female-male graduation gap narrowed from 8.5 to 3.6 points since 2010, driven by male gains. Oregon also reports non-binary graduation data.
Hillsboro SD crossed 90% graduation for the first time with 1,651 students, while Portland suburbs graduate 8 to 15 points above the city.
In 23 Oregon districts, Hispanic students graduate at higher rates than white students. The gaps are largest in agricultural communities.
CTE concentrators graduate at 97.8% in Oregon, nearly 15 points above the state average. Even CTE participants graduate above 91%.
Oregon's white-Black graduation gap narrowed from 20.1 to 9.1 points since 2010, driven by Black students' 25.6-point gain. It widened slightly in 2025.
Jefferson County SD 509J raised its graduation rate from 57% to 91.7% over 15 years. Its special ed rate climbed from 42% to 93%.
