Oconee County Schools achieved its highest-ever average composite score on the ACT and ranked No. 1 for county systems in the state, according to data released Wednesday by the Georgia Department of Education.

Oconee County Schools had an average score of 24.5, with North Oconee High posting a 24.6 and Oconee County High earning a 24.2 among a combined total of 210 test takers. North Oconee and Oconee County ranked Nos. 1 and 2 in Northeast Georgia, respectively, and Nos. 19 and 29 statewide.

“This recognition reflects Oconee County Schools’ commitment to fostering a culture of success for our students,” Superintendent Jason Branch said. “This achievement is a direct result of their hard work and determination, as our teachers and leaders strive to unlock their potential. We are incredibly proud of our students heading into their post-secondary opportunities and celebrate this accomplishment together.”

Oconee County Schools was the only county system from Northeast Georgia ranked in the state’s Top 20.

The state average ACT score was 21.2, while the national average was 19.4. Georgia students surpassed the national average for the eighth consecutive year.

Oconee County Schools surpassed the national and state figures in each category:
English: 24.3 (National: 18.6, State: 20.5)
Mathematics: 23.3 (National: 19.0, State: 20.4)
Reading: 25.8 (National: 20.1, State: 22.2)
Science: 24.1 (National: 19.6, State: 21.1)

The ACT is a standardized test for high school achievement and college admissions in the United States, with all scores reflecting the 2024 graduates who took the ACT at any point during high school.

“The Class of 2024 continues to make us proud here in Georgia – from beating the nation on both the SAT and ACT to achieving an all-time-high graduation rate for our state,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “It’s encouraging to see that investing in academic recovery, despite the challenges of the last several years, has paid off for our students and their futures. I offer my congratulations to the Class of 2024 and their teachers, parents, and communities who made this possible.”