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District Increase Test Takers – 80% of Seniors Take SAT

For the third year all Forsyth County high schools and the district surpassed Georgia’s SAT averages for the 2011 results. Additionally, Forsyth County Schools tested 341 additional students, bringing the total test takers up to 1,568, which is 80% of last year’s senior class.

“We are pleased that system SAT scores continue to be above the state and national average,” stated Superintendent L.C. (Buster) Evans. “Though we are excited to have 341 more students take the SAT, we still have room for improvement. After continuous years of climbing district averages, we are disappointed that our overall 2011 system scores dropped nine points. Student performance on the SAT opens doors for our graduates. We will continue our SAT 2400 Challenge to ensure we remain focused on preparing our students to do their best on this national assessment.”

2011 SAT Scores (Most Recent)

 South Forsyth High School increased 16 points above last year’s scores, and also led the district with the highest score, 1639, from the five high schools. For their achievement, Forsyth County Schools and the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce will award them the Superintendent’s Award of Excellence for Greatest Gains and the 2400 Challenge Cup for Highest Overall Score in the county. South Forsyth High School is a three-time recipient of the 2400 Challenge Cup. Both awards will be presented to the school at the October 20, 2011 meeting of the Forsyth County Board of Education.

“We are extremely pleased with this tremendous academic achievement,” stated South Forsyth High School Principal Jason Branch. “These SAT scores are a testament to the hard work of our student body and teaching staff.  We are working hard to continually improve and do what is right for all students.”

Forsyth County Schools has posted gains in SAT scores over the last five years in all areas. Critical Reading has increased eight points from 516 to 524; Mathematics has increased 10 points from 519 to 529; and Writing, the newest subtest, has increased two points from 507 to 509. 

Historical School Scores

“One area of tremendous growth is in the performance of our Hispanic student population”, stated Associate Superintendent Lissa Pijanowski. “The number of Hispanic seniors taking the SAT has tripled in the last five years and increased in Critical Reading by 63 points, Mathematics by 49 points, and Writing by 32 points.” 

The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), a measure of the developed verbal and mathematical abilities important for success in college, is given to students all across the country. The College-Bound Seniors Report presents data for high school graduates in the year 2011 who participated in the SAT Program. Students are counted only once, no matter how often they tested, and only their most recent scores are reported. These scores do not always represent the highest score attained by a student, school, or system. 

For more information visit www.gadoe.org and www.collegeboard.org