Joliet High Schools Achieve Graduation Rate Gains in 2024

The Joliet Township High School District 204 has reported significant improvements in its graduation rates for the 2024 academic year. According to the recently released 2025 Illinois School Report Cards from the Illinois State Board of Education, both Joliet West and Joliet Central schools are trending positively, although challenges remain for students with disabilities at Joliet Central.

The annual report cards, which were published in October, provide a comprehensive overview of school performance across vital metrics. These include standardized testing results, graduation rates, college readiness, and overall attendance rates, categorized by different student demographics. Schools are ranked from comprehensive to exemplary, with those in the top 10% receiving an exemplary designation. In contrast, schools in the bottom 5% are designated comprehensive, while those with one or more demographic groups in that bottom tier are marked as targeted.

For the second consecutive year, neither Joliet West nor Joliet Central changed their designations. Joliet West has retained its commendable status, while Joliet Central remains in the targeted category, with a specific emphasis on improving outcomes for students with disabilities.

Dr. Karla Guseman, the district superintendent, expressed concern regarding the performance of students with disabilities at Joliet Central. “We’re really focused on Central, especially on achievement for English language learners and special education, and looking for ways to support those learners more,” she stated.

As part of its improvement strategy, the district is enhancing its co-teaching model and introducing a new “consult model.” This initiative assigns special education tutors to work with students who attend regular classes, allowing for individualized support either within the classroom or in smaller groups outside of it. Currently, this model is being implemented for freshmen and sophomores, with plans for expansion across all grade levels in the coming years.

Graduation Rates and College Credit Achievements

One of the highlights of the report is the improvement in graduation rates, which comprises 50% of a school’s evaluation. Dr. Guseman noted, “Our graduation rates at both campuses improved a lot last year. That is a real positive.” Joliet West achieved a graduation rate of 86.6%, while Joliet Central recorded 80.8%. Notably, Joliet Central experienced a more substantial increase of over 5% from the previous year, whereas Joliet West improved by just over 3%. The state average graduation rate stands at 87.7%.

“Our previous district rate was 79%, so that’s a pretty solid area of growth for one year, especially in a district this big,” Dr. Guseman commented. The district has made dedicated efforts to enhance graduation rates by expanding virtual tutoring and credit recovery programs for students at risk of falling behind.

In addition to graduation rates, the district tracks college readiness through its Advanced Placement and Dual Credit programs. In the 2024-2025 academic year, Joliet Township High School students earned a total of 3,811 college credit hours from various institutions, including Joliet Junior College and the University of St. Francis. Last year, students also took over 1,700 AP tests, achieving a passing rate of 63%.

Furthermore, students obtained 474 certifications in career and technical programs such as culinary arts, cosmetology, and nursing, showcasing a broad range of achievement outside traditional academics.

Challenges in Standardized Testing

Despite these successes, the district faces challenges in standardized testing. The ACT proficiency scores for District 204 students fell below the state averages in key subjects including English Language Arts, math, and science. Joliet West reported proficiency rates of 38.2% in ELA, 27.8% in math, and 38% in science. Joliet Central’s rates were lower, with 27.7% in ELA, 18.5% in math, and 26.9% in science. The state averages are 52.4% in ELA, 38.4% in math, and 44.8% in science.

Of particular concern is the performance of students with disabilities, who achieved proficiency scores of just 11.4% in ELA, 10.6% in math, and 10.6% in science. Dr. Guseman highlighted the challenges posed by the standardized testing requirements, noting that the state recently switched from the SAT to the ACT, creating new benchmarks for proficiency.

“I think it’s important to remember that in Illinois at the high school level, the tests are only provided in English,” she stated. This presents significant challenges for districts like Joliet, which have a higher-than-average population of non-English speakers. At Joliet Central, for example, approximately 32.3% of students are classified as English learners.

Dr. Guseman pointed out that the requirement for at least 95% of students to take the assessment can lower overall proficiency scores, creating an unfair expectation. “It’s a problem with the evaluation system that it requires students to take the test who can’t read it,” she explained.

Despite these obstacles, the district remains committed to ongoing improvement. “We are a great district, and we are committed to improvement year over year,” Dr. Guseman affirmed. “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.”