ACADEMIC MEASUREMENTS

Stanford Achievement Test – Students in grades K5 – 8 take the Pearson Stanford Achievement Test.  Our students continue to perform at levels above the state and national levels.  However,  we see areas that can be improved based on this measurement.  Parents should make sure their students are prepared for these test by going to bed early, eating correctly, and being at school on time.  Students should be encouraged to do their best on these tests so we cannot only measure their individual performance, but also make corrections within the school as needed.  We definitely see a drop off in the interest in taking this test in the 7th and 8th grade.  Students of this age should take the test seriously because it is excellent practice for the college readiness test that they will face in the near future.

Plan and Explore Test – These are tests provided by ACT that are meant to prepare students for taking the ACT.

EXPLORE is the first part of a testing system that goes on to include PLAN and the ACT.  The EXPLORE program is designed to help 8th and 9th graders explore a broad range of options for their future.  EXPLORE prepares students not only for their high school coursework, but for their post-high school choices as well.  Information gained will also allow the school to address academic needs.  [All 9th graders will be required to take EXPLORE  and there is a $7.60 charge.]

The PLAN program helps 10th graders build a solid foundation for future academic and career success and provides information needed to address the school’s high priority issues.  PLAN can help all students—those who are college bound as well as those that are likely to enter the workforce directly after high school.  [All 10th graders will be required to take the PLAN and there is a $9.60 charge.]

PSAT/MNSQT test is also administered on our campus.  Participation is encouraged by both 10th and 11th graders and can be taken by students as young as the 7th grade. The PSAT/MNSQT measures critical thinking skills that are important for success in college, including critical reading, math problem-solving, and writing skills.  All students benefit from participation and the materials, score reports and tools students receive motivate them to get involved in the college-going process.  The fee is $13.00 per student tested and students must have registered in the counselor’s office. This test also gives juniors a chance to enter the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s scholarship programs.  For more information please visit www.collegeboard.com.

ACT- We have seen some solid ACT scores this year.  We feel that the expansion of our curriculum and the attention that we have paid to preparing for the ACT is paying off.  We are convinced that course rigor and student diligence is the key to high individual scores and increasing the school's average test scores.