Texas District Hits 98.8% Graduation Rate, #1 in Readiness

McKinney Independent School District just proved what's possible when schools refuse to leave students behind. The Texas district hit a stunning 98.8% graduation rate with its class of 2025, meaning only a tiny fraction of students didn't complete their diploma.

The numbers get even better. McKinney ranked first among the state's 100 largest school districts in college, career, and military readiness scores, showing that graduation isn't just about handing out diplomas but actually preparing students for what comes next.

Jennifer Akins, the district's chief school improvement officer, shared the results at a February school board meeting. She pointed out that 75% of McKinney students attend an A-rated campus, a testament to consistent quality across the district.

McKinney students outperformed both state and regional averages on standardized tests at every single grade level and in every subject area. That kind of across-the-board success suggests the district has figured out something special about reaching all kinds of learners.

The proof extends beyond high school. When researchers tracked McKinney's class of 2023 graduates into their first year of college, most earned a GPA of 3.0 or better at their Texas public universities.

The Ripple Effect

McKinney's success sends an encouraging message to other districts wondering if high graduation rates mean lowering standards. The answer here is clearly no.

When students leave high school both with a diploma and the skills to succeed in college, they're positioned to build better futures for themselves and their families. Higher education opens doors to careers that can lift entire communities.

The district already identified college and career readiness as a strategic priority and is seeing those investments pay off. That kind of intentional planning shows other schools a roadmap worth following.

Strong academic foundations built in K-12 classrooms are giving McKinney graduates staying power in college, where many students struggle or drop out. The district is proving that preparation matters as much as graduation.

Nearly 99% of students walking across the stage with real readiness for what comes next? That's the kind of educational success worth celebrating.