Georgia high schoolers scored above the national average on the ACT college-readiness test, according to results released Thursday.
The Georgia Department of Education reported that students in the class of 2017 scored an average of 21.4, a few notches above the national average of 21.
A 36 is a perfect composite score on the popular exam many colleges require for admission.
Georgia’s 21.4 score marked the second straight year and the second time in state history that Georgia topped the national average, according to the education department.
The state reported that Georgia students also outperformed the national average in subjects of English, reading, science, and math.
In Georgia, 55 percent of 2017 high school graduates took the ACT.
The state’s education department reported that since 2013 the number of Georgia test-takers has jumped by nearly 9,000 students.
“Georgia students continue to increase their scores – and outpace the nation – on the ACT,” said state school superintendent Richard Woods, in a written statement. “This is a testament to the hard work of Georgia’s students and educators as they enjoy greater flexibility and fewer state restrictions in the classroom.”
The department said school-level results are not yet available.
It reported gains among key demographic student groups. African American students in Georgia scored an average of 18.1, up slightly from 18 last year. The score among the state’s Hispanic students increased to 20.5 from 20.2 last year.
Georgia students posted an average composite score on the ACT in 2016 of 21.1
More than 2 million United States students in the class of 2017 took the exam, according to the ACT.
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