FCS Expands SAT Access/Achievement, Leads Metro Area Districts
Fulton County Schools (FCS) has returned to pre-pandemic levels of SAT participation and performance, exceeding scores of school districts across the metro Atlanta area. A total of 5,135 students - 5.9% - sat for the exam, the district’s highest number of test takers since 2019. The 1076 average score is consistent with Fulton’s high performance levels before COVID.
What makes Fulton’s 2025 SAT results especially unique is that achievement rose alongside access. This year, Fulton tested its highest share of its students (309 more than in 2024) AND realized higher scores - the only metro district to increase the number of test-takers while maintaining scores above state (47 points) and national (80 points) public-school averages.
“I am thrilled with these superior results,” said FCS Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney. “Attaining the goal of broader participation alongside higher achievement and reaching our pre-pandemic levels is a significant milestone that makes me so proud of our staff and students. We won’t stop here though; we’ll continue to press for continued excellence.”
Participation surged at both flagship schools and emerging campuses, demonstrating the twin triumphs of efficacy in providing greater access to higher education while sustaining a rigorous standard of performance. This overall excellence demonstrates Fulton’s recovery from pandemic disruptions, effective preparation for academic success and enables more students than ever to step up to college-level readiness.
Several schools performed at elite national levels, including Innovation Academy (1281) and Northview High School (1254). Other high schools exhibited dramatically expanded participation, such as Westlake and Alpharetta at an additional 167 and 89 test-takers, respectively. The message is clear: FCS is widening the gateway to college readiness without lowering the bar.
Other notable gains include:
- Centennial (+45 to 1070) led the district in improvement, showing a sharp rebound from 2024.
- Chattahoochee (+39 to 1236) returned to the ranks of Fulton’s top performers.
- Westlake (+13 to 959) and Langston Hughes (+13 to 855) demonstrated strong progress, signaling momentum in schools serving diverse learners.
- Banneker (+8), Creekside (+9), Tri-Cities (+9), Global Impact Academy (+8), and Riverwood (+6) all posted steady increases.
“On behalf of the Board, we acknowledge this incredible benchmark and acknowledge the years of hard work that have gone into academic recovery and look forward to continued success and growth,” said Board President Kristin McCabe. “We are committed to continuing to prioritize financial access for seniors to the SAT test as well as provide dedicated time in which to take the test.”