CCSD ACT Scores Increase and Exceed National, State Averages

UPDATE 10/23/23: More congratulations to the Class of 2023 and our outstanding teachers, staff and leaders! According to additional data released by the state, CCSD ranks No. 2 for ACT scores among metro Atlanta counties and No. 2 in the state among districts with more than 200 students tested.

The Cherokee County School District Class of 2023 ACT scores increased and continued to exceed national and state averages!

The class scored an exemplary 22.9 average, up from 22.2 last school year, surpassing Georgia’s 21.3 (down from 21.6) and the Nation’s 19.5 (down from 19.8) averages on the competitive college entrance and placement examination.  

Students earn a score on a scale of 1 to 36.  The average CCSD scores by subject on the ACT used to calculate the overall composite average are: English, 22.3 (up from 21.4); Math, 22 (up from 21.6); Reading, 23.9 (up from 23.1); Science, 22.9 (up from 22.2).  

“Congratulations to the Class of 2023 – these scores are yet another reflection of your successes despite the pandemic’s obstacles during your high school education,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.  “These scores also are a testament to the high-quality instruction provided by our amazing teachers and to the importance of the support given by our dedicated support staff, leaders, volunteers and business and community partners.  Thank you to our School Board for its leadership and to our community as a whole for investing in challenging coursework, like AP classes and STEM programs, that prepare our students for the ACT and future success at college and in their careers.” 

The ACT is taken in lieu of or along with the SAT, and the Class of 2023’s ACT scores mirror its strong SAT results released earlier this fall.  The ACT scores reflect 1,078 CCSD students taking the exam, down from 1,173 the previous school year … a decline likely due to universities waiving entrance exam requirements.

Scores from CCSD’s high schools surpassed state and national averages: Cherokee HS, 22.7 (up from 21.1); Creekview HS, 23.1 (up from 22.3); Etowah HS, 22.5 (down from 22.9); River Ridge HS, 22 (down from 22.6); Sequoyah HS, 23.9 -- the highest overall score in CCSD (up from 22.6); and Woodstock HS, 23.1 (up from 21.8).  A school score was not provided by ACT for i-Grad Virtual Academy.

“As I’ve had the occasion to say often lately – I’m incredibly proud of the class of 2023,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “These students were high-school freshmen when the pandemic closed schools in 2020.  Their education was severely impacted by the national crisis, but they have risen above and we’ve seen positive news regarding their SAT scores, graduation rate, and now ACT scores in recent weeks.  These results also bring positive news in the area of literacy, with Georgia students scoring higher in reading than any other subject area.  We will continue working hard to ensure every student has access to a strong education that will open doors to a successful future.”

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