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Boston Schools Celebrate Record 81.3% Graduation Rate, Standards Questioned

3/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Boston Public Schools (BPS) reported a record 81.3% graduation rate for 2025, up from 59.1% in 2006.
Policy changes included easing grading standards and removing the graduation state-exam requirement.
Mayor Michelle Wu (Mayor of Boston) stated that BPS is not lowering standards.
Standardized test scores have remained stagnant.
Low-income students’ graduation rates rose by 12%, while math scores fell by 5%.

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Story summary

Boston Public Schools (BPS) reported a record 81.3% graduation rate for 2025, up from 59.1% in 2006.
Policy changes included easing grading standards and removing the graduation state-exam requirement.
Mayor Michelle Wu (Mayor of Boston) stated that BPS is not lowering standards.
Standardized test scores have remained stagnant.
Low-income students’ graduation rates rose by 12%, while math scores fell by 5%.