High school graduates of the Class of 2024 excelled in numerous academic areas of study and matched the Class of 2023 with the highest on-time high school graduation rate on record at 86%, as reported in the newly released College and Career Readiness Indicators (CCRI) report. Among these students, 34% graduated with honors, the highest level in the past five years.

The Class of 2024 CCRI report details the outcomes of 11,613 students among 67 public schools including public charters. The CCRI is produced annually by Hawaiʻi P–20 Partnerships for Education (Hawaiʻi P–20), in collaboration with the Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE) and the University of Hawaiʻi (UH).

Class of 2024 overall college enrollment increased from 51% to 52% and the proportion of Class of 2024 graduates who attended a UH campus increased 3 percentage points from the previous year, from 31% to 34%. Of particular note, the percentage of completers who enrolled in a UH two-year campus increased from 17% to 19%, the highest percentage since 2020.

“The increase in college enrollment at the UH Community Colleges (UHCCs) highlights the growing impact of our strengthened career pathways between HIDOE high schools and our seven community college campuses,” said Della Teraoka, interim vice president for the UHCCs. “With UH two-year enrollment on the rise and four-year enrollment reaching record levels, these collaborative efforts are creating more opportunities for students to pursue higher education and succeed right here at home.”

The Class of 2024 also had the highest number of completers in the last five years to earn a score of three or better on an Advanced Placement (AP) exam to 18%, and the most completers of Dual Credit classes, which increased 3 percentage points from last year (24% to 27%). Additionally, there was a 3 percent increase from 2023 of students who entered UH after completing college-level credits through Dual Credit in high school for English and math.

“We’re seeing the results of our efforts to expand access to rigorous coursework, career pathways and college opportunities across all schools,” Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. “These outcomes demonstrate what’s possible when we align K–12 education with students’ futures. At the same time, we recognize the ongoing challenges in academic readiness and are continuing to invest in early interventions, targeted support and aligned pathways to ensure students are prepared for success after high school.”

Of the high schools that saw improved scores, Kea‘au High School students particularly increased its AP Exam metrics from 9% to 21%, Dual Credit metrics from 10% to 22%, and its Career & Technical Education (CTE) Concentrators increased from 55% to 58%. Its Class of 2024 students who took college-level math jumped 4 percentage points (43% to 47%) and college-level English taking increased from 40% to 49%.

“Our students have made great strides in a variety of areas in a short amount of time,” said Dean Cevallos, Principal of Kea‘au High School. “With the expansion of pathways and programs of study across the state, and particularly on Hawaiʻi Island, it is exciting to see our students excel in courses that earn them college credit and continue through the pipeline and attend UH campuses.”

Graduates who earned the Seal of Biliteracy increased to 557 to 598 from the Class of 2023, and CTE honors also increased from 21% to 22%. The top three CTE programs completed by concentrators for the Class of 2024 were Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation (23%); Cultural Arts, Media and Entertainment (20%); and Health Services (17%), all of which are integral areas of Hawaii’s state economy.

“Although college-going data from the Class of 2024 demonstrates a turnaround from previous years, there are reasons for concern with academic readiness, especially in math,” said Stephen Schatz, Executive Director of Hawai’i P-20. “Math readiness is key across various industries, whether students aspire to be doctors, welders, auto mechanics, nurses, or teachers.”

Hawai‘i’s CCRI reports are continuously recognized by national organizations, including the Data Quality Campaign, Achieve, and the National Governors Association, as a leading example of collaboration between K-12 and higher education and for providing useful information on college readiness.

To view additional metrics online:

• Full CCRI Reports: http://hawaiidxp.org/research/ccri_reports.
• CCRI web metrics: http://hawaiidxp.org/quick_data/ccri/index
• College Completion by graduated class: https://www.hawaiidxp.org/data-products/high-school-to-postsecondary-completion/
• College Progress by graduated class: https://www.hawaiidxp.org/data-products/high-school-to-postsecondary-progress/
• First Fall Enrollments by graduated classes: https://www.hawaiidxp.org/data-products/high-school-completers-fall-enrollment-locations/