Henry County Schools’ Class of 2021 helped bolster the district’s SAT scores as revealed in the latest release of the standardized test scores by the College Board, the national organization responsible for administering the test.  This marks the second straight year the district’s overall score has shown an increase when comparing year to year.

“We are extremely proud of the hard work of both our students and staff,” said Holly Cobb, Chair of the Henry County Board of Education.  “This accomplishment is no small feat considering all that the Class of 2021 has overcome in the past 18 months.”

The SAT, a national standardized test regularly used as a part of the college admissions process, consists of two testing areas to measure student readiness for college: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW).  The scores from these two areas help to formulate a total composite score for each student.  The highest score a student can receive in each testing area is 800, and the highest composite score possible is 1,600. 

Of note in 2021 is that the district experienced a decrease in the number of test-takers compared to the previous year by an overall average of 42 percent.  This is comparable with both the state and national trends of decreases in the number of test-takers.  With standardized test scores being waived as a college-entrance requirement for colleges and universities in Georgia and other challenges resulting in test registration cancellations and test center closures, a decline in the number of test-takers was expected.  As such, comparisons of this year’s results to previous year’s results should take this into consideration.

The composite mean score for Henry County Schools now sits at a 1029 in 2021 compared to a 1010 in 2020 and a 1003 in 2019.  The district’s ERW Mean score increased this year by eight points from 520 to 528, and the Math Mean score improved this year by 11 points from 490 to 501.

Eight out of 10 high schools in the district saw increases in their mean composite scores by an average of 26 points.  All eight schools saw increases to both their Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) Mean scores, too.  Three schools – Dutchtown, Eagle’s Landing, and Locust Grove High School – saw double-digit increases in their ERW Mean scores, while five schools – Dutchtown, Eagle’s Landing, Hampton, Locust Grove, and Stockbridge High School – saw double-digit increases in their math scores.

This also marks consecutive years of increases across the board for both Luella and Stockbridge High School.  Both showed improvement in all three measured areas from 2019 to 2020, and from 2020 to 2021.

Of the schools experiencing increases in scores in 2021, seniors from Eagle’s Landing High School had the largest increase in their mean composite score, as well as in their ERW mean and Math mean scores.  In total, seven of the eight schools showing improvement in their composite mean scores did so by double-digit increases, with these large increases ranging from 12 points to a high of 62 points.

Principal Dr. Kesha Jones knows that her senior students worked hard last year to ensure they finished their school career on a high note and demonstrate how much the school helped prepare them for the next levels of education and beyond.

“We attribute the success to a community of hard-working teachers, committed learners, and supportive parents who absolutely believe that we are indeed a school of excellence in academics,” said Jones.  “This accomplishment for ELHS is yet another sign that our learning community is doing the right work to advance opportunities, access, and outcomes for our students to compete locally and beyond.”

When looking at state SAT results, two high schools in the district – Ola and Union Grove High School – showed performance levels above the state in composite mean scores, as well as in ERW and Math mean scores. 

Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis noted the great progress being made across the district and the continued efforts to improve student achievement levels.

“Our senior class from 2021 showed remarkable resiliency over the final two years of school in our district,” said Davis.  “Their determination to learn at the highest levels, matched by our teachers’ daily drive to provide the best instruction provides yet another example of why Henry County Schools is the best place to learn and teach.  We look forward to this school year.”