On Time High School Graduation

The likelihood of graduating on During the 2024-2025 school year, 84.5% of students in King County graduated high school within 4 years. To graduate from high school in Washington State, students must complete a minimum number of course credits in specified topics; pass tests including the Smarter Balanced tests, end-of-course exams, and more; and complete a High School and Beyond Plan. Those who graduate with their class 4 years after beginning 9th grade are considered as graduating on time. However, Black, Hispanic, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander students were less likely to graduate from high school on time compared to the King County average. The likelihood of graduating on time was even lower for English language learners, students experiencing homelessness, and students from migrant families.  

• Race and ethnicity: Asian (92.1%) and White (88.9%) students were more likely than the county average to graduate on time, while Black (79.8%), Hispanic (72.2%), Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (69.7%), and American Indian/Alaska Native (65.4%) students were less likely to graduate on time. 

• English language learners: 64.6% of English language learners graduated high school on time, while 88.2% of students who were not English learners graduated on time. 

• Income: 76.3% of students who received free and reduced price meals, often used as a  proxy for low income, graduated on time. 

• Homelessness: Only 57.7% of students experiencing homelessness graduated on time. Across Washington State, the number of students experiencing homelessness is rising. 

• Foster care: 38.2% of students in foster care graduated on time. 

• School district: Graduation rates ranged from 81.5% in the Auburn School District to 96.3% in the Issaquah School District.   

• Trends: King County’s on-time graduation rate increased substantially between 2015 and 2022, rising from 79.8% to 87.1%. However, recent data shows a slight decline in the countywide average to 84.5% in 2025.Among students experiencing homelessness, the on-time graduation rate followed a similar pattern, decreasing from 60.4% in 2022 to 57.7% in 2025 

• Gender: Female students in King County had an on-time graduation rate of 86.3% in 2025, higher than the county average. In the same year, 83.0% of male students graduated on time. In 2022 only 41.3% of students using the X gender marker graduated on time, substantially lower than female or male students. In 2025 this rose to 80.5%. While the X gender marker is a relatively new option in Washington’s student data system, we will continue to monitor these data with the understanding that students often face discrimination and challenges in school based on gender expression and identity.  

Additional data related to education:   

• Adults in King County without a high school diploma   

• Adults in King County without a bachelor’s degree   

• Third grade reading performance  

• Fourth grade math performance  

• Absenteeism   

• Suspension and expulsion  

• Kindergarten readiness     

Additional data about kindergarten through 12th grade education in Washington is available through the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.