FCS Students Continue to Lead State in ACT Participation and Performance
FCS Students Continue to Lead State in ACT Participation and Performance
District Surpasses State and National Averages for Ninth Consecutive Year
Fulton County Schools (FCS) continues to lead Georgia in both ACT participation and performance, surpassing state and national averages for the ninth consecutive year. Nearly 4,000 FCS students, representing more than 17 percent of all ACT test-takers statewide, took the exam in 2025, marking the highest participation rate in the state and reaffirming the district’s commitment to expanding college readiness opportunities for all students.
The district’s average composite score of 21.6 once again exceeded both Georgia’s average of 21.4 and the national average of 19.4. This year’s results demonstrate that as access expands, achievement remains strong, solidifying Fulton County’s reputation as a leader in both excellence and opportunity.
“These results prove that when we set high expectations and remove barriers, our students rise to the challenge,” said Dr. Mike Looney, superintendent of Fulton County Schools. “Fulton County Schools continues to deliver both access and achievement. That balance, along with more students taking rigorous exams and performing well, reflects the extraordinary work happening across our schools.”
Achievement Across Every Measure
The ACT measures readiness in English, mathematics, reading, and science. Fulton County students outperformed both state and national averages in English, math, and science, and closely matched the state in reading—demonstrating consistent excellence across all subjects.
Fulton also led the state in college readiness benchmarks:
- Thirty-four percent of FCS students met all four ACT College Readiness Benchmarks, compared to 29% statewide.
- Twenty-eight percent met the ACT STEM Benchmark, five points higher than the Georgia average.
These results reflect rigorous academic preparation and a continued focus on literacy, numeracy, and analytical skills that prepare students for success beyond high school.
Schools of Distinction
Several schools achieved exceptional ACT performance this year:
- Innovation Academy (27.2), Northview High School (26.9), and Johns Creek High School (25.6) ranked among the district’s top performers.
- Schools showing notable growth include Banneker (+1.7), Westlake (+0.7), and Northview (+0.7). Westlake improved its composite score even as participation declined, reflecting gains in overall student performance.
“What’s most impressive is that excellence is system-wide,” said Kristin McCabe, president of the Fulton County Board of Education. “Our schools are not just maintaining performance, they are expanding opportunities. These results demonstrate that our investments in instructional quality and equitable access are paying off.”
Expanding Access Through Participation
While participation across Georgia declined by 8.7 percent, Fulton County saw a 1.8 percent increase, continuing a steady four-year rise. Since 2021, ACT participation has grown by 90 percent, from 2,089 to 3,962 students, even as national participation increased by less than one percent.
This sustained growth reflects the district’s commitment to ensuring every student, regardless of region or background, has access to college readiness assessments and preparation programs.
A Model for Readiness and Results
The 2025 ACT results affirm that Fulton County Schools continue to sustain high achievement while broadening access to college-readiness pathways. Through innovative programs, STEM initiatives, and a focus on literacy and numeracy, FCS remains dedicated to preparing students for success in college, career, and life.
“We’re not just celebrating scores,” Dr. Looney added. “We’re celebrating what those scores represent, students who are truly ready for the future.”