Joliet Schools Show Notable Graduation Rate Gains in 2024

Joliet Township High School District 204 has reported significant improvements in graduation rates according to the 2025 Illinois School Report Cards for both Joliet West and Joliet Central. The Illinois State Board of Education released these annual report cards in October, highlighting critical performance metrics such as standardized testing, graduation rates, college readiness, and overall attendance.

The report indicates that the district is progressing well, although there remains a need for improvement, particularly for students with disabilities at Joliet Central. Each school received a designation based on its performance: Joliet West was classified as commendable, while Joliet Central fell into the targeted category. The targeted designation emphasizes the need for focused efforts on specific demographic groups, notably those with disabilities.

Graduation Rates Show Positive Trends

Superintendent Dr. Karla Guseman expressed pride in the district’s graduation rates, which account for half of a school’s evaluation. Joliet West achieved a graduation rate of 86.6%, while Joliet Central’s rate was 80.8%. Notably, Joliet Central showed a substantial increase of more than 5% from the previous year, while Joliet West’s improvement was just over 3%. The state average stands at 87.7%.

“Our previous district rate was 79%, so that’s a solid area of growth for one year, especially in a district this big,” Guseman stated. The district has undertaken several initiatives to enhance graduation rates, including increasing virtual tutoring options and expanding recovery programs for students falling behind in credits.

In addition to graduation rates, the district is also focused on college readiness. In the 2024-2025 academic year, students earned 3,811 college credit hours at institutions such as Joliet Junior College and the University of St. Francis. Furthermore, Joliet students took over 1,700 Advanced Placement (AP) tests, achieving a passing rate of 63%.

Addressing Academic Challenges

Despite these successes, challenges remain, particularly in standardized testing. District 204’s ACT proficiency scores fell below state averages in English Language Arts, math, and science. Joliet West recorded proficiency rates of 38.2% in ELA, 27.8% in math, and 38% in science, while Joliet Central had rates of 27.7%, 18.5%, and 26.9% respectively. The state averages are 52.4% in ELA, 38.4% in math, and 44.8% in science.

Particularly concerning are the proficiency scores for students with disabilities, which were recorded at 11.4% in ELA, 10.6% in math, and 10.6% in science. Guseman highlighted that these figures serve as a baseline due to the recent change in standardized testing from the SAT to the ACT, which has introduced new benchmarks for proficiency.

Guseman also noted a specific challenge for the district: the ACT is administered only in English, which can hinder performance for non-English speaking students. Approximately 32.3% of students at Joliet Central are classified as English learners, compared to 17.8% at Joliet West.

“It lowers the overall proficiency score, and it’s an unfair expectation to put on those students,” Guseman remarked.

Despite these hurdles, the district remains committed to improving educational outcomes. “We are a great district, and we are committed to improvement year over year,” Guseman stated. “I believe the data shows that work has been impactful so far. We’re committed to ensuring we maximize every student’s growth while they’re with us.”

As Joliet Township High School District 204 continues to address these challenges, it aims to build on its recent successes and foster an inclusive environment for all students.