Pierce County High School students’ scored higher on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) than the region and the state.
Test-takers here had an average composite score of 1,083 this year. That figure is down by 37 points from last year. Pierce County students topped the national average of 1,028 by 53 points and were 31 points higher than the statewide average of 1,083. Both state and national scores were down slightly over last year.
Pierce County students ranked 19th overall statewide and they had higher overall scores in the nine-county Okefenokee Regional Education Services Association (RESA). Pierce County’s students also ranked 11th statewide in math and 22nd statewide in reading and writing.
There were a total of 89 test-takers this year, down one from last year.
Pierce was four points higher than Camden County, which was second with an overall score of 1,076.
Other RESA counties’ composite SAT scores include Ware (1,078) Brantley (1,058), Coffee County (997) Atkinson (962), Bacon and Charlton tied (955) and Clinch County rounded out the group (905).
A perfect score on the SAT is 1,600.
The high marks came despite the disruptions of the coronavirus pandemic, which caused many schools to close and switch to online instruction.
PCHS principal Kelly Murray said the good test results are part of a team effort.
“I’m very pleased that our students once again led our local nine-county area in SAT performance, ranking in the top 20 of all districts in the state of Georgia. This success is a direct result of years of hard work by the staff and students at PCHS,” said Murray.
State School Superintendent Richard Woods said the results were proof Georgia’s students and teachers have been working hard.
“While students and school have faced significant challenges over the last several years, as a state we will continue to invest in academic recovery and the opportunities available to every graduate of every Georgia public school,” said Woods.
The SAT is a college entrance exam developed, administered and scored to expand access to higher education. The SAT is designed to test subject matter learned by students in high school and the critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in college.
