Mesa County Valley School District 51 has reported an 81.5% four-year graduation rate for the most recent cohort, according to data released by the Colorado Department of Education. This figure is slightly lower than last year’s record high but remains the second-highest in the district’s history.
The district noted that its highest graduation rates have occurred over the past three years, a period that aligns with the implementation of a community-developed Strategic Plan. The five-year graduation rate reached 86.9%, reflecting efforts to support students who need additional time to complete their diplomas.
District officials also highlighted a decline in the dropout rate to 1.5%, which is below the state average. Gains were observed among student subgroups: students receiving Special Education services under Individualized Education Plans saw a 3% increase in graduation rates, multilingual learners had a 14.7% increase, and migrant students experienced a 21.8% rise.
At the school level, Fruita Monument High School achieved a 96% graduation rate—its highest in five years—and R-5 High School increased its rate by nearly four percentage points, also reaching a five-year high. Palisade High School and Fruita Monument High School both posted graduation rates above the state average.
“Graduation data reflects the steady progress District 51 has made over the past three years as we’ve remained focused on the goals in our Strategic Plan,” said Dr. Brian Hill, Superintendent of District 51. “The past three years represent the highest graduation rates in the history of our district. These outcomes are the result of the collective efforts of our students, staff, and families, and they demonstrate that our work to support students academically, socially, and emotionally is making a difference. As we look ahead, we remain committed to ensuring every District 51 graduate leaves us prepared for life after high school—whether that path leads to college, career, military service, or other meaningful opportunities.”
District leaders stated they will continue using graduation data along with other academic measures to guide improvement efforts and align with strategic goals.
Further information about statewide graduation rates can be found on the Colorado Department of Education’s website at https://www.cde.state.co.us/cdereval/gradcurrent.
For questions or more details about local results, contact Callie Berkson at callie.berkson@d51schools.org or call 505.217.6435.
