District Five SAT scores, participation among the top in the state

IRMO, SC – Lexington-Richland School District Five has the third highest SAT scores among school districts in South Carolina. District Five also leads the state in the percentage of students taking the examination, according to new data.

Seventy-nine percent of District Five’s Class of 2015 took the SAT, compared to around 50 percent statewide. The district’s composite score was 1516, which is higher than the state average of 1442 and the national average of 1490 for all students.

District Five Superintendent Dr. Stephen Hefner said, “Being a state leader in SAT scores and in the number of students taking the examination is extraordinary. The results are a testament to the laser focus we have on instruction and our commitment to ensuring all students are ready for success in college and careers.”

While 2015 SAT scores declined in South Carolina and nationally, District Five improved its results by four points to earn the third highest score among public school districts testing at least 50 percent of its students. The percentage of students in the district taking the test also increased from 71 percent in 2014 to 79 percent in 2015. The district had 898 students take the SAT at least once last school year.

The new SAT report mirrors other predictors for how well the district is preparing students for college. Data release in August showed that District Five’s Class of 2015 had an ACT average composite score of 22.6, which is above the state average of 20.4 and national average of 21 points. The district had the third highest composite score in the state, and all of the district’s high schools scored above state and national averages in the ACT report. In September, eight students were named National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists.

Hefner said, “This does not happen without the combined efforts of our students, parents, teachers, staff and community. We will continue to strive for excellence and success for all our students.”