Cherokee ACT Scores Surpass State, National Averages

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Cherokee County School District’s Class of 2015 earned record high scores and the second-highest county average in metro Atlanta while continuing to exceed their peers across the nation on the ACT college entrance and placement exam.

The school district’s average score ranks it among the top districts in Georgia on this measure.

The CCSD average ACT composite/total score on the curriculum-based test is 22.7, rising from 22.6 last year and from 20.8 over the past decade; national and state averages are 21. Students earn a score on a scale of 1 to 36; the ACT is taken in lieu of or in conjunction with the SAT.

The class of 2015 earned the system’s highest-ever scores in the English (22.4), Reading (23.4) and Science (22.6) sections, with averages for those three sections as well as Mathematics all increasing from the previous year. The number of CCSD seniors who took the ACT also climbed to 1,450 – 59 percent of the senior class – a rise from 1,377 and 56 percent the previous year.

“National testing results such as these outstanding ACT scores reinforce what we at CCSD already know: our teachers and administrators are preparing students for success in higher education and careers,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Petruzielo said. “This coupled with the dedication of our students and the support of parents, volunteers and community partners leads to commendable results that are the envy of the state and nation.”

All principals will review the scores with their leadership and data-management teams to identify methods to further enhance students’ knowledge mastery. Counselors also will review the results to ensure students are advised as to the best testing choices for their admission and scholarship success.

This year, the ACT will be administered Sept. 12, Oct. 24, Dec. 12, Feb. 6, 2016, April 9, 2016, and June 11, 2016, at district high schools, with a choice of at least two dates at each campus.

This impressive performance mirrors state data that shows when district students enter college, they are more prepared than their peers: 88 percent of recent Cherokee County graduates who went on to attend a state college or university (6,200 students), did not need a single remedial class, the district states.

“The progress of every student is important to CCSD, as we are dedicated to ensuring that each has the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their lives from higher education to careers to leading our community and world,” Petruzielo added.

See the attached photo to review three-year data from each of the county’s six traditional high schools.