The U.S. Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), which oversees 183 primary and secondary schools serving over 40,000 students, has reported a substantial increase in on-time high school graduation rates. In 2015, just over half of high schoolers at BIE schools graduated within four years. By 2025, this figure reached a record high of 79%.
Administrators attribute this surge to a combination of factors, including local innovations and improved data reporting methods. Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland noted that these changes reflect a commitment to Native American students, including efforts to strengthen teacher training. A key development was the correction of flawed data collection practices that had previously understated graduation numbers. Agency officials explained that for years, school administrators used inaccurate methods to track graduation rates, sometimes counting students who had transferred as dropouts. Beginning in 2018, the BIE began standardizing data collection, leading to a more accurate and encouraging portrayal of student progress. An analysis of BIE data found that graduation rates across the system have increased by 55% since these new reporting standards were implemented, with nine secondary schools reporting growth of 100% or higher.
Beyond data reforms, innovative educational strategies have also contributed to improved outcomes. At Chief Leschi Schools in Washington, a shift in focus from traditional college preparation to technical and career readiness training has been credited with keeping students engaged and on track. Superintendent Don Brummett stated that the school had previously devalued trades, a mistake they have since corrected. The school launched its career and technical curriculum in 2020 with funding from the Puyallup Tribal Council. This initiative has motivated students who might have otherwise dropped out, guiding them into fields like health sciences, education, and fisheries management. Gerald Dillon, a recent graduate, found that hands-on job training better suited his learning style, leading to increased motivation and improved grades. Chief Leschi Schools reported its four-year graduation rates rose from 53% to 87% between 2019 and 2025.
Other BIE schools have also adopted unique approaches. Choctaw Central High School, operated by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw, saw graduation rates climb from approximately 70% to 93% after implementing a virtual learning option during the COVID-19 pandemic. Principal Alaric Keams noted that this flexibility benefited students with responsibilities at home or those who needed to work, providing them an opportunity to earn their diplomas. The district has continued to offer virtual learning as an option for all high school students.
Despite these gains, concerns persist about potential disruptions to this progress. Tribal leaders have voiced apprehension regarding the planned dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education and the impact of budget cuts. The transition of oversight for numerous Native student programs from the Department of Education to the BIE, which began in November 2025, has raised concerns about overwhelming the agency with additional responsibilities. Tribal leaders at a consultation session in February expressed that agreements were made without adequate tribal input, potentially undermining the BIE's legal responsibility to seek their consultation. Jason Dropik, executive director of the National Indian Education Association, highlighted that administrative turmoil and executive orders, such as one that initially aimed to transform the BIE into a school choice system, can cause delays and disrupt services. Tribal leaders are calling for stability, increased funding, and improved infrastructure to ensure the continued success of schools serving Native American students.