Despite the challenges related to the pandemic, Cobb students and teachers remained focused on academics. The results—the Cobb Schools Class of 2021 posted an average SAT score of 1150 out of 1600 points, which tops all other large Districts in Georgia and is 43 points higher than the 2020 district average.
Cobb students also continued to outpace their state peers who earned an average SAT score of 1077, more than 70 points below Cobb students. Cobb students also outperformed the national average of 1038 by a whopping 112 points.
“Our students continue to outperform their peers on state and national assessments, like the SAT, because of our One Team’s commitment to academics and student success. Despite the pandemic, both in-person and virtual learning options for students are continuing to bring success as a result of our awesome teachers performing above and beyond each day,” said Superintendent Chris Ragsdale.
The next closest large district in Georgia trailed Cobb students by more than 20 points. Two area districts lagged 200 points behind Cobb Schools. One neighboring district ranked 77 points below Cobb. The following includes the SAT scores for metro Atlanta area school districts: Atlanta Public Schools, 927; Clayton County Public Schools, 946; DeKalb County School System, 1037; Douglas County Schools, 1036; Fulton County Schools, 1128; Gwinnett County Public Schools, 1132; and Marietta City Schools, 1073.
The District average for evidence-based reading and the writing section was 581 out of a maximum of 800. That is 17 points higher than Cobb students in 2020. For Math, Cobb students scored a 568 out of a maximum 800 or 24 points higher than in 2020.
The Cobb schools with the highest SAT averages include Walton High School (1275), Wheeler High school (1233), and Pope High School (1205).
"The challenges of remote learning last year did not negate the importance of our students continuing to learn and succeed. Our community, teachers, and students supported each other in their efforts to ensure that our high standards were maintained while centering on the needs of the students. Our teachers worked hard to provide the support the students needed, and with the help of the parents, students were able to overcome the challenges of the year," said Dr. Catherine Mallanda, Walton's principal.
Ten Cobb high schools earned average scores at or above 1,100. Fifteen schools increased or stayed the same compared to 2020. Walton ranked third for the highest SAT score in the state, and Wheeler rounded out the top 10. A total of seven Cobb Schools were among the top 30 best high schools in Georgia.
Principal Paul Gillihan praised his Wheeler students for their achievement.
"Our students never cease to amaze me. Even in a pandemic, they rise not only to the occasion but surpass it," the Wheeler principal said. "They are a testament to the values and dedication of our families, faculty, and community – we Wildcats keep on rowing!"
Wheeler's total mean score increased by an astounding 73 points.
Campbell High School students were close behind with a total mean score jump of 72 points. Campbell students have recorded six straight years of increases on the SAT.
"Despite the most unconventional and challenging eighteen months in memory, CHS students worked diligently to prepare for the SAT, and our teachers continued to provide academically rigorous learning experiences, develop critical thinking skills, and challenge students to perform at high levels on aptitude tests such as the SAT," explained Dr. Jeanne Walker, Campbell's principal. "The Campbell High School staff embraces our mission of One School, One Team, One Goal: Student Success by providing SAT prep classes, on-site testing, and educating parents and students about testing requirements and opportunities."
The Cobb student success on the SAT comes on the heels of academic achievement Cobb students demonstrated on the Georgia Milestones assessment.
