(AP) — New data released by the Nebraska Department of Education shows nearly nine in 10 students at public high schools graduated on time last school year — an improvement over recent years.

The overall state rate for 2013 was 88.5 percent, up from 87.6 percent in 2012 and 86.1 percent in 2011.

The report does show some demographic groups lagging behind the state graduation rate, with about 77 percent of African-American students, 79 percent of Hispanic students and 72 percent of Native American students graduating on time in May.

The report shows that 70 of the state’s 249 school districts graduated 98 percent or more of their high school seniors, earning those districts a shared, top rank statewide.