Results released recently by the College Board show the Cherokee County Class of 2020 outscored state and national averages on the SAT exam, despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cherokee County School District announced.

Fifty-nine percent of seniors took the college entrance and placement exam, earning an average total score of 1100, officials said. This exceeded the national public school average by 70 points and the state average by 57 points – though down by 15 points from last year due to impact of the coronavirus.

“Our Class of 2020 seniors overcame many obstacles during the last half of their senior year, and we’re proud of their achievement,” Superintendent Brian V. Hightower said. “Our students and teachers worked together to ensure teaching and learning continued at the highest level possible despite challenges.”

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Linda Tran works with staff to prepare large platters for each table during the Thanksgiving Celebration at the First Senior Center on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, in Norcross, Ga. Linda and her sister Von Tran, who jointly operate the First Senior Center, are refugees with a harrowing survival story of leaving Vietnam as children. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

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