SAT Scores Above Global Average In Fairfax Public Schools

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — SAT scores at Fairfax County Public Schools continues to outperform the state and national averages, according to College Board data from the class of 2021.

The mean score, which includes reading/writing and math but not the essay, was 1201 for FCPS class of 2021. By comparison, the FCPS class of 2020's mean score was 1211.

The FCPS mean score was higher than Virginia's 1151, and the global average of 1060. On the reading writing section, the FCPS mean score was 601, compared to 584 in Virginia and 533 globally. The math score was 600 for FCPS, compared to 567 in Virginia and 528 globally.

Disparities still remain between ethnic and racial groups. Asian students at FCPS had the highest mean score (1294), followed by white students (1220), multiracial students (1213), Hispanic students (1095) and black students (1054). Nevertheless, each racial or ethnic group's mean score outperformed their peers on the Virginia and global level.

"As we center equitable access in our decision-making, responding through the expansion of responsive learning experiences will be important," FCPS stated about the racial disparity. "This testing data serves as a reminder that we still have much more to do as a system, and as a community, to provide the academic supports that all of our children need to be successful."

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic-related cancellations and family reluctance to send students to in-person testing, participation in the SAT dropped worldwide and in Virginia. According to the College Board, participation fell by 31.4 percent globally and 33.4 percent in Virginia. The drop was less pronounced at FCPS, with 4.4 percent less participation.

FCPS attributed the smaller decline to the school district hosting SAT School Day for the first time in September 2020. SAT School Day allowed students to take the SAT at no cost to them at their school on a designated weekday. A total of 63 percent of the FCPS senior class took the SAT. SAT School Day will again be held to the class of 2022 on Oct. 13.

"We recognize that priorities changed for many during the pandemic. Offering convenient access to the SAT at no cost, was our way to ease the burden on our families and students," said Superintendent Scott Brabrand. "The fact that FCPS saw such a small decrease in participation shows that this concept worked."