Cherokee Better Than State, Nation on ACT

On average, 's class of 2012 earned the highest ACT scores in the system's history.

Cherokee's 22.7 surpassed state (20.7) and national (21.1) averages, according to data released Wednesday.

The highest possible score on the ACT, an alternative to the SAT college entrance exam, is a 36.

Calling it "more evidence of the clear trend of rising student achievement and teacher performance," Cherokee Superintendent Frank Petruzielo said Wednesday that the district's average has climbed nearly two points over the last decade.

"Achievement on college entrance and placement examinations is of great importance to CCSD," he said. "We want every student to have as many options as possible for their pursuit of higher education."

During the 2011-12 school year, 1,160 tests were administered in Cherokee, up from 1,053 during the 2010-11 school year.

Of the five Cherokee high schools with senior classes in 2012, Hickory Flat's  was tops with an average score of 23.3. in Canton was No. 5 with an average score of 22.  in Woodstock will graduate its first senior class this school year.

"This continued, outstanding progress by our students is further evidence of our students' college and career readiness," Petruzielo said.

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