Report: Hopatcong SAT Scores Below NJ Average

's average SAT scores dropped below the state average for the second straight year, according to statistics released by the state Department of Education Thursday.

The typical Hopatcong student earned a total score of 1,430 in 2010-2011 while the average state pupil scored a 1,508. The school also saw a drop the previous year, when the typical 2009-2010 Hopatcong student scored a 1,478 while the average state pupil recorded a 1,515.

In 2008-2009, the typical Hopatcong student (1,504) actually scored just better on the SATs than the average state student (1,503).

The statistics were part of the Department of Eduction's yearly report card release. The report cards track state public school districts on various areas, from performance to finances.

The test scores of average Hopatcong students also dropped in all three categories—math, verbal and essay writing—from 2010-2011 to 2009-2010, according to the report. The biggest drop came in verbal, where the average 2010-2011 student scored a 468 compared to the typical 2009-2010 student, who notched a 496.

The scores also fell in mathematics five points and essay writing 15 points from 2010-2011 to 2009-2010, the report said.

The high school did, however, see an increase in the percentage of students taking the SATs. Only 56 percent took the test, upon which many college admissions departments place heavy emphasis, in 2009-2010 compared to the 64 percent in 2010-2011, the report said. But Hopatcong was still below the state average in that category for the third straight year. In 2010-2011, 73 percent of students throughout the state took the exam.

Click here for a full look at Hopatcong High School's report card.