Rockdale County Public Schools’ SAT scores increase over 2023

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) Class of 2024 graduates, unlike the state and nation, saw an increase in composite SAT scores over the previous year. The 2024 mean composite score for RCPS is 980, up from 969. The mean composite score for Georgia public schools is 1030, and the mean composite score for U.S. public schools is 995, both decreasing from 2023.

“We are pleased to see an increase in our scores even as the state and nation experienced decreases,” said RCPS Superintendent Terry Oatts. “Of particular note, I commend our students for exceeding the nation’s score on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section of the SAT. This is, in part, a testament to our district’s laser-like focus on birth-to-12th grade literacy. Many colleges and universities have changed their admissions criteria, giving students more flexibility in choosing a national college entrance exam, and in some cases removing the requirement of sitting for a national exam altogether. RCPS is committed to preparing students for success in their postsecondary pursuits and the future of their choice.”

RCPS Board Chairwoman Pam Brown applauded students who took the SAT.

“I am proud of our students who decided to take the SAT and outperformed the nation in one section and increased composite scores over the previous year. Their hard work increased scholarship opportunities and their options for attending the school of their choice,” Brown said.

Students should be sure to complete the necessary core academic and Advanced Placement courses prior to taking college entrance exams. Often students take these tests before they have exposed themselves to the rigor of Advanced Placement courses, which are critical to posting a high score on this type of assessment. RCPS supports its students’ aspirations to go to college and will continue to provide free SAT preparation and improved advisement to parents and students so that they may achieve this goal.

Students must be exposed to higher level concepts, complex reading material, and sophisticated problem-solving activities at an early age. As a school district, RCPS will continue to provide increased opportunities for advanced and enriched learning that exceeds that of the basic curriculum.

RCPS recommends the following guidelines for students to be successful with college entrance exams:

• Know which entrance exam is required by the college for which you are applying (ACT, SAT).
• Ideally, students should take entrance exams at the beginning of their senior year after successful completion of core content courses.
• Students should complete at least one Advanced Placement course prior to testing.
• Students in 11th and 12th grades should attend SAT prep workshops and utilize free online SAT prep tools such aswww.khanacademy.com