Cherokee County juniors passed the state-mandated high school graduation test on their first attempt at higher rates than their counterparts statewide, according to results released by the school system Friday.

Social studies scores were strong for first-time Cherokee test takers with 93 percent of all students passing the exam that tests students' knowledge of the state curriculum, compared to 85 percent of students statewide. Cherokee juniors also outdistanced their Georgia peers in language arts, mathematics and science, but not by as wide of a margin.

The percent of students passing the subject exams both in Cherokee and in Georgia generally dropped over last year's showing on the spring exam. The exception is on science where both county and state scores rose. However, school officials caution the two years cannot be compared since science is now totally aligned with state performance standards.

All of Etowah High's juniors — 100 percent — passed the math exam, the only perfect posting in any subject among the district's high schools this year.

Cherokee special education students also beat state passing rates, but still lag behind the junior class overall passing rate.