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The graduation rate for high school students in California grew to 81.4 percent in the 2012-13 school year, according to data released this week by the U.S. Department of Education.

The number is slightly up from the previous year’s 80.2 percent, but it still leaves California 31st among states and Washington D.C. in high school graduation rate.

The improvement of the state’s graduation rate is on par with LA Unified, which has seen consistent growth the last few years.

Gaps still remain when it comes to white and Asian students compared with other ethnic groups. White students graduated at a rate of 87.7 percent and Asian students had a 90.0 percent rate, compared with 75.7 percent for Hispanics and 78.1 percent for blacks, although the numbers were up for all groups.

Compared with other big states, California was ahead of New York (76.8 percent) in overall graduation rates, but behind Texas (88 percent) and Illinois (83.2 percent).

“The hard work of America’s educators, families, communities and students is paying off. This is a vital step toward readiness for success in college and careers for every student in this country,” U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said in a statement. “While these gains are promising, we know that we have a long way to go in improving educational opportunities for every student –- no matter their zip code — for the sake of our young people and our nation’s economic strength.”