Salem-Keizer Public Schools reported a four-year graduation rate of 79.7% for the Class of 2025, below Oregon’s statewide average of 83.0%, according to newly released state data and a district summary.
The four-year cohort rate measures the share of students who earn a regular Oregon Diploma or a modified diploma within four years of starting high school, with the cohort adjusted for transfers in and out. District officials note the measure does not capture every completion pathway, such as extended diplomas or GEDs.
Within Salem-Keizer’s six comprehensive high schools, five met or exceeded the statewide average. West Salem High School posted a 94.4% on-time graduation rate, Sprague High School 93.3% and South Salem High School 86.7%. McNary High School graduated 84.5% of its cohort on time and McKay High School 83.1%. North Salem High School was the only comprehensive high school below the state rate at 81.8%.
Two option schools fell outside that comprehensive-school picture. Early College High School, which partners with Chemeketa Community College, reported a 100% on-time graduation rate for 52 students. Roberts High School, a non-traditional program serving students who often enroll after interruptions in schooling, reported a 17.1% four-year graduation rate, reflecting 62 students earning regular or modified diplomas.
“Graduating our students with the skills and dispositions to thrive in their future endeavors continues to be one of our most important goals,” Deputy Superintendent Danielle Neves said in a district statement. (Salem-Keizer Public Schools, Jan. 29, 2026: https://salkeiz.k12.or.us/details/~board/district-news/post/graduation-rates-at-salem-keizer-public-schools-continue-to-inch-up)
McKay’s year-over-year increase was one of the district’s most notable. The school rose from 77.6% in the prior year to 83.1% for the Class of 2025. “McKay is a place where we do hard things—and we excel,” Principal Ranae Quiring said. “We cultivate a strong community and positive culture while continuing to advance academically.” (Salem-Keizer Public Schools, Jan. 29, 2026: https://salkeiz.k12.or.us/details/~board/district-news/post/graduation-rates-at-salem-keizer-public-schools-continue-to-inch-up)
District leaders also highlighted Career and Technical Education as a strong indicator of graduating on time. Salem-Keizer said students who concentrate in CTE programs graduate at rates above 95%, tracking with statewide results that put CTE concentrators near 98%.
Roberts High School’s numbers underscore why district leaders urge a broader look at outcomes for alternative programs. In addition to the 62 students who earned diplomas within four years, the district said 104 Roberts students completed high school through other options, including earning a GED or an extended diploma, and another 62 continued enrollment.
School Board Chair Cynthia Richardson said the gains reflect a focus on student supports, while acknowledging the district’s overall rate remains below the state. “There is still work to do,” she said, adding that progress means ensuring students “across all backgrounds and circumstances” are supported to finish. (Salem-Keizer Public Schools, Jan. 29, 2026: https://salkeiz.k12.or.us/details/~board/district-news/post/graduation-rates-at-salem-keizer-public-schools-continue-to-inch-up)
Statewide, Oregon’s Class of 2025 set a record graduation rate and was the first cohort since the pandemic to complete all four high school years in person, state officials said. For Salem-Keizer, the district reported a five-year cohort graduation rate of 81.5%, pointing to students who stay enrolled beyond four years to meet requirements.
Salem-Keizer is among Oregon’s largest and most diverse districts, serving families who speak more than 130 languages; district leaders say mobility, poverty and special education needs shape graduation efforts and where additional supports are targeted.