Alachua County SAT Scores
Tops in State
For the second straight year, Alachua County students earned the highest scores in the state this year on the SAT, the nation’s primary college entrance exam. They also score significantly higher than their peers across the nation.
According to a report from The College Board, which administers the SAT nationwide, Alachua County’s average total score on the SAT was 1632, the highest overall score of any district in Florida and far above the state average of 1475 and the national average of 1509.
Local students easily topped the average scores of their peers statewide and nationwide on all three sections of the test. Alachua County’s average reading score was 548, compared to the state average of 497 and the national average of 501. The district’s math score was 555, compared to the state and national scores of 498 and 515 respectively. Alachua County’s average writing score was 529, compared to the state averages of 480 and the national average of 493.
“These scores tell you a great deal about the outstanding education our students are receiving at all grade levels,” said Superintendent Dan Boyd. “We’re very proud of the accomplishments of our students and our educators.”
In a year when the overall SAT score in Florida fell one point and the overall national score fell two points, Alachua County’s average score rose 19 points. Scores were also up in all three categories of the test, with the most dramatic increase in the reading portion—up 11 points from last year. Local writing scores were up six points, and math scores up two points.
Alachua County school officials credit school administrators and teachers for encouraging students to take the most rigorous courses available to them and the students for their willingness to accept the challenge of a tougher curriculum.
“We tell many students that they can succeed in higher-level courses if they are willing to go the extra mile,” said Deputy Superintendent Sandy Hollinger. “With the right support and encouragement, they can do well in those courses and will ultimately be better prepared for college.