Fulton Schools Students Beat State, National ACT Score Average

FULTON COUNTY, GA — In 2021, Fulton County Schools students achieved the highest composite ACT scores in the district’s recorded history. Fulton County also had more participants than any other district in Georgia this year for the college entrance exam.

“I am extremely proud of our students and instructors,” Superintendent Mike Looney said. “Despite the unprecedented challenges of the past year, our students stayed focused. They took the ACT in impressive numbers, continuing to work hard and earn good scores.”

Fulton County students beat the state average on the ACT, with the state’s average score increasing as the national average dropped. The class of 2021 recorded an average composite score of 25.3, compared to the state average of 22.6. Fulton students’ average score increased nearly 5 percent – from 24.4 in 2020 – while the national average fell slightly from 20.6 in 2020.

Fulton County students also outpaced the national and state averages in meeting all four of ACT's College Readiness benchmarks. The district saw its score increase from 48 percent to 55 percent.

A benchmark score is a minimum score needed on an ACT subject-area test to indicate a 50 percent chance of obtaining a B or higher or about a 75 percent chance of obtaining a C or higher in the corresponding credit-bearing college courses.

“We are pleased with the effort and results of our students,” Fulton Schools Board President Julia Bernath said. “It is clear that Fulton County students continue to demonstrate a much higher level of college readiness than their peers nationwide.”

The average composite score for Fulton was the highest in the metro area:

Eight schools showed an increase in the average composite score for 2021. These include:

• Alpharetta
• Centennial
• Creekside
• Johns Creek
• Milton
• North Springs
• Northview
• Riverwood

The ACT is taken in lieu of or along with the SAT, and the class of 2021's ACT scores follow outstanding SAT results released earlier this fall.

All scores are based on 2021 high school graduates who took the ACT at some time from grades 10 to 12.