(CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Yet again, graduating seniors in Madison have proven their academic prowess, this time with scores released for the American College Test (ACT) by the non-profit ACT organization in Iowa City, Iowa.

The Class of 2014 at Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools exceeded both the national and state ACT average.

Bob Jones’ average was 24.4 (compared to 23.7 in 2013), while James Clemens averaged 23.2 (compared to 21.1 in 2013). The Madison district’s average is 24.1, compared to 21 points nationally and 20.6 in Alabama.

“Scholarship dollars start coming at certain intervals, maybe as low as 22 … certainly at 25 from some schools,” Bob Jones Principal Robby Parker said. “When you get over 30 points, you can about go to wherever you want and get a lot of scholarship dollars.”

In 2014, almost 23 percent of Bob Jones seniors scored 30 or higher on ACT.

“We are very proud of the Class of 2014.  This is a prime example of what a committed group of students, parents, teachers and staff can do when all systems are on go,” James Clemens Principal Dr. Brian Clayton said.

To compare neighboring states, Mississippi students averaged the lowest in the nation at 19. Tennessee’s average is 19.8 and Georgia, 20.8. The state with the highest ACT average is Massachusetts with 24.3, followed closely by Connecticut and New Hampshire tied at 24.2.

For 2014, the state required all Alabama juniors to take the ACT, which replaced the Alabama Graduation Exam, Bob Jones College and Career Advisor Sheila Roberts said.

Not only is the test essential for students, but ACT statistics also “give a profile that breaks down into subject areas. (Administrators) use the results to improve the curriculum,” Roberts said.

“Again, I’m very proud of our kids and teachers. Whereas this is awesome, we must daily feel a sense of urgency to prepare our kids for global success,” Parker said.  The Madison district pays $8,000 for all sophomores to take an ACT-prep class and test.

For more information, visit act.org.