Students in Hamilton County Schools have shown a modest improvement in their ACT scores, as revealed by recent data from the Tennessee Department of Education. The average composite score for the class of 2025 reached 18.9, an increase from the previous year’s score of 18.7.
Comparison of ACT Scores
Despite the increase, the Hamilton County average still falls below both state and national averages. The state average remains steady at 19.3 for the second consecutive year, while the national average is slightly higher at 19.4.
Understanding ACT Scores
The ACT is scored between 1 and 36, with a composite score reflecting the average of scores from sections including English, math, reading, and science. A score of 21 is generally considered a marker for college readiness.
Scores by School and Student Demographics
In Hamilton County, 36.8% of students in the class of 2025 achieved a composite score of 21 or above. However, 53.9% of students scored below 19. Notably, some schools exceeded the state averages, with nine district high schools reporting an average score of 21 or greater.
Top Performing Schools
- Hamilton County Collegiate High: 26.3
- Signal Mountain Middle/High School: 24.9
- Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts: 24.6
- Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts: 24.2
- Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences: 23.7
- STEM School Chattanooga: 23.7
- Soddy Daisy High School: 21.4
- East Hamilton High School: 21.3
- Sale Creek Middle/High School: 21.1
- Ivy Academy: 20
Performance Trends
Two schools, Lookout Valley Middle/High and Signal Mountain Middle/High, demonstrated significant improvement, raising their average score by over one point from the previous year. Superintendent Justin Robertson commended the students for their effort and acknowledged the commitment of educators in supporting all learners.
Focus on Students with Disabilities
Improvements were also seen among students with disabilities, where the percentage achieving a score of 21 or higher increased by 8 points. Their average composite score rose to 16.2, surpassing the statewide average for this demographic.
Equity in Education
Challenges remain for English learners and economically disadvantaged students, who reported average composite scores of 13.6 and 16.1, respectively. Despite slight improvements from last year, these scores highlight the work still needed.
Future Initiatives
According to Chief Academic Officer Blake Freeman, addressing equity across demographic groups is crucial. The district aims to ensure that all students have access to core curricula that align with grade-level standards. Freeman emphasized the commitment to nurturing growth in reading, writing, and critical thinking skills for every student.
Regional Comparisons
In the broader Southeast Tennessee region, three districts—Meigs County, Sequatchie County, and Tullahoma City Schools—boasted scores above the state average. Notably, Tullahoma City Schools earned the highest composite score in the region at 19.9, while Bledsoe County Schools marked the most significant improvement with a two-point increase, achieving an average score of 19.1.
