SAT Scores Best State, National Averages

Cherokee's most recent graduating class outperformed their state and national counterparts on the SAT, the announced Wednesday.

Out of 2,400 possible points, the class of 2011 posted a 1,559. That was 114 points higher than Georgia's average and 59 points higher than the national average.

But while Cherokee exceeded state and national averages, scores dropped. The class of 2010 fared better locally (1,582), statewide (1,453) and nationally (1,509).

"Annual fluctuations in scores are not unusual or unexpected, given the fact that the scores are for different groups of students and in different years," Superintendent Frank Petruzielo said in a memo to Board of Education members. "Accordingly, as in prior years, data will be analyzed by every principal, assistant principal, all members of the school’s Instructional Leadership Team, Data Management Team and all other appropriate faculty and staff."

Of Cherokee's five high schools, had the best showing on the SAT. Its 1,608 topped (1,586), (1,559), (1,542) and (1,529).

Etowah learned Wednesday that it had .

Open the PDFs on this page for the memo from Petruzielo as well as charts showing local, state and national scores through the years.