How local innovations are fueling Native American graduation gains at federally funded schools
Summary
Graduation rates at schools run by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) have improved significantly, rising from just over 50% in 2015 to 79% in 2025. This improvement is partly due to better data tracking and local programs that focus on career training and technical education for Native American students.Key Facts
- The BIE oversees 183 schools serving over 40,000 Native American students.
- In 2015, about half of BIE high school students graduated within four years; by 2025, that rate reached 79%.
- Previous data on graduation rates was flawed because students who transferred were sometimes counted as dropouts.
- Since 2018, the BIE has standardized how it tracks and reports graduation data for more accuracy.
- Many BIE schools are run by tribes and receive federal funding, not directly by the agency.
- Chief Leschi Schools shifted to career and technical training starting in 2020, which helped keep students engaged.
- Hands-on job training programs in health sciences, education, and fisheries management have motivated students to stay in school.
- The Trump administration states it supports these education improvements, including better teacher training for Native American students.
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