ACS students achieved SAT scores in 2018 that topped the national, state, and Atlantic County public high school averages, according to statistics recently released by the College Board. The SAT is a national standardized exam that colleges use to admit students and to award scholarships.

“These strong SAT scores are a reflection of the commitment we have made over the past six years to build a more rigorous academic program,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “We have raised the bar in every area, including updating our curriculum, developing a stronger focus on students’ writing skills, and adding Chromebooks and other technology training.”  Oblen also said that the efforts of our highly-qualified and dedicated faculty members have contributed to our students’ academic success. A significant number of ACS faculty have advanced degrees and teachers regularly participate in professional training and development.

The average scores of college-bound students from ACS who took the SAT in 2018 were 569 in the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) section and 564 in the Math section. These ACS scores were higher than the national and New Jersey state averages and the average scores of eight Atlantic County high schools, including Absegami, Atlantic City, Atlantic County Institute of Technology, Cedar Creek, Chartertech, Egg Harbor Township, Mainland, and Pleasantville (see chart).

“These SAT scores encourage all of us to keep working hard and striving for excellence in everything we do,” Oblen said. “Our goal is to continue to provide our students with a high-quality education, rooted in a Biblical world-view, that will prepare our students for success in college and the workplace.” A review of school records over the past 48 years shows that 95% of ACS seniors go to college, many receiving academic scholarships, and then go on to pursue careers in a wide range of fields including business, education, engineering, law enforcement, medicine, ministry, technology, and the military.