Cherry Creek School District achieves highest-ever graduation rate
The Cherry Creek School District achieved its highest-ever graduation rate with an on-time (or four-year) graduation rate for the class of 2024 of 91.2%. The new graduation rate is up from 90.3% for the class of 2023 and comes as the district continues to implement the CCSD Strategic Plan, which outlines three key priorities: 1) Literacy; 2) Health and Wellbeing; and 3) Disproportionality.
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) released statewide data on graduation rates on Jan. 22. CCSD’s 2024 graduation rate of 91.2% surpasses the state average of 84.2%, and the national average of 87%.
Among last year’s graduates are one Boettcher Scholar, four Questbridge Scholars, nine military academy appointees, 12 Daniels Fund Scholars, 26 athletic scholarship recipients, 44 National Merit finalists, and 918 Advanced Placement Scholars. The Class of 2024 earned nearly $50 million in scholarships to colleges and universities, community colleges, and trade and vocational schools across the country.
“This record graduation rate of 91.2% reflects the hard work and perseverance of our students, educators, and families,” said Superintendent Chris Smith. “It also demonstrates that our focus on connecting students with their pathway of purpose is having an impact. More students are graduating from our schools with the knowledge and skills to thrive in their future endeavors, whether that be higher education, the military, or the workforce.”
The district is also seeing progress in addressing disproportionality, a focus of the Strategic Plan, with the graduation rate for Black students going up for a second year in a row. The 2024 on-time graduation rate for Black students is 91.2%. The graduation rate for American Indian students increased 14 points to 95.5% in 2024. For additional graduation rate data, see the Colorado Department of Education graduation rate data dashboard. To learn more about the district's goals, visit the Strategic Plan dashboard.
“The Cherry Creek School District is committed to continuing our work to eliminate disproportionality and seeking ways to provide more access and opportunity for all our students to succeed,” Smith said. “We believe that every student, regardless of background, deserves the resources and support to reach their full potential.”
Earlier this month, CCSD broke ground on the expansion of the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC), a state-of-the-art stand-alone career and college preparedness facility that offers seven pathways to exciting, in-demand careers. The $100 million expansion is the result of the $950 million bond measure supported by the local community in the November 2024 election.
"The expansion of the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus embodies our district’s dedication to excellence for the future and providing every student with a pathway of purpose," said Superintendent Smith. "Thanks to the support of our community through the 2024 bond measure, we’re empowering more students with access to cutting-edge, career-focused education. This expansion will prepare them for success in high-demand industries while ensuring they find meaningful, purpose-driven futures."
Posted 1/29/25.