Brookwood SAT scores tops in Gwinnett

Gwinnett County Schools students outperformed their peers in the state and nation on the SAT college entrance exam, with Brookwood High leading the pack again.

College-bound students in the Class of 2008 soared above state and national averages on the SAT’s reading, math and writing tests. The district’s average composite score on the SAT was 1521 out of a possible 2400. That score is 10 points above the national average of 1511 and 55 points above the average district score in Georgia, 1466.

“We are very pleased,” said Dale Robbins, associate superintendent for teaching and learning. “It’s a tribute to our schools’ hard work. What they do is find natural connections between the knowledge and skills that are assessed on the SAT with what we do on the AKS [Gwinnett curriculum]. “

The Class of 2008’s average SAT score is slightly lower than the Class of 2007, which scored 1524. More students — approximately 82 percent of the graduating class, or 6,254 students — took the SAT last school year.

Brookwood High School, Gwinnett County Schools’ SAT heavyweight champions since 2002, had the highest average SAT score in the county again. The Snellville school’s average SAT score of 1638 increased 9 points over the previous year.

Brookwood principal Debra Dees could barely contain her excitement until the announcement was made to students. “I was so very proud of them,” she said. “I’ve been on cloud nine for the last few days.”

A banner was posted in the commons area celebrating the SAT victory. It reads: “GCPS SAT Champions Again.”

Dees credits the SAT performance to Brookwood’s focus on critical reading and persuasive writing. “We have an extremely dedicated staff that always goes above and beyond for the students,” she said.

Brookwood’s friendly rival, Parkview High in Lilburn, had the second highest SAT average score at 1602. But Parkview’s Class of 2008 had the district’s highest ACT average score - 24 out of 36 points, ending the academic contest for high-score bragging rights on college entrance exams in a draw.

Principal Charles “Buck” Buchanan said he was pleased with his school’s scores. The SAT average was 27 points higher than 2007. He attributed the increase to rigor in the curriculum and the commitment students and faculty have to improve. Approximately 107 more students took Advanced Placement classes in 2008 than the previous school year.

“We do a great deal with SAT prep,” he said. “We have great students, great teachers and a great community. It’s just a blessing to watch these young people and teachers work hard every day.”

Teachers at Parkview help students interpret PSAT score reports so they can focus on increasing math and language scores. Building a strong vocabulary is also stressed from freshman to senior year, Buchanan said.

Norcross High had the third highest average SAT score in Gwinnett at 1562. About half of Gwinnett’s high schools, however, saw their SAT scores decrease.

The Gwinnett school likely to win the academic equivalent of the most valuable player award on the SAT is Central Gwinnett in Lawrenceville, which had the largest gain. The school’s score jumped from 1451 to 1481 and principal Valerie Clark says she is just “thrilled.”

Central Gwinnett focuses on critical reading and writing skills as early as sophomore year. Students also get extra help on math during lunch, which says Clark, boosted reading, writing and math scores on the SAT.

“We have had a math lab open everyday and it is manned by a teacher,” Clark said. “Students can do SAT prep, and they get extra bonus points for it.”