Overview
- The class of 2025 posted an 89% four-year graduation rate, the highest in 15 years, according to the Illinois Report Card released Thursday.
- Illinois juniors averaged an 18.8 ACT composite this spring, down from around 20 a decade ago, with Chicago Public Schools reporting 17.1.
- About 25% of students were chronically absent last year, including 34% of high schoolers statewide and nearly half in CPS.
- Illinois returned to the ACT after seven years using the SAT, and state officials cautioned against direct score comparisons as ACT representatives said trend comparisons remain valid.
- Officials highlighted expanded AP, IB and dual-credit offerings and billions in added state funding since 2017 as supports for higher graduation and college persistence, while new proficiency standards limit year-over-year comparisons.