Cherokee Earns Highest SAT Scores in Metro Atlanta

WOODSTOCK, GA -- It appears students taking the SAT continue to demonstrate they are mastering the material on the exam.

That's according to the Cherokee County School District, which on Tuesday said it has earned the highest average among metro Atlanta districts.

The system also said it's increased its score by 17 points and ranked in the top 3 school districts in Georgia for average SAT scores.

The district's class of 2016 earned an average total score of 1577, up from 1560 last school year, which is the third-highest score out of 180 school systems in the state of Georgia, according to data released Tuesday by the College Board.

The class's graduates also exceeded the national average by 93 points and the state average by 118 points on the curriculum-based, college entrance and placement exam, which is the most commonly recognized measure of achievement for high school students.

All district high schools, with 54 percent (1,412 students) of the class of 2016 participating, scored above the national average and ranked in the top 10 percent in Georgia on the test, which measures critical reading, mathematics and writing abilities that are related to successful performance in college.

Cherokee's average total score increased, and CCSD also earned the second-highest average writing score, third-highest average mathematics score and fourth-highest average critical reading score in Georgia.

As different groups of students are being tested, annual fluctuation in scores is anticipated. However, CCSD continues to show "consistent, extraordinary performance" when compared at the national and state levels, it said.

District principals will analyze individual scores with their leadership and data management teams to review instruction and curriculum practices, evaluate intervention strategies and set new SAT goals. Counselors also will examine the results to ensure that every student is guided toward and prepared for the entrance examination that best suits their strengths and needs.

“We are extremely proud of the success of our students on the SAT, as this extraordinary accomplishment illustrates how well each of our schools, from preschool through high school, are preparing students for success in higher education and future careers,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.

This accomplishment follows the recent release of record-high ACT scores earned by district students and data that shows how few school system graduates need remediation at the college level, the school system states.

“These outstanding achievements would not be possible without the enduring support of our entire community – families, teachers, staff, administrators, business partners, volunteers, taxpayers who support the continuation of our Education SPLOST and a school board that makes teaching and learning its top priority,” Dr. Hightower said. “Thank you to everyone who is helping us in meeting our mission of educating the emerging generation."

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