Georgia, October 2, 2025
News Summary
Georgia’s public school students have excelled on the SAT for the eighth consecutive year, averaging a mean score of 1029, significantly higher than the national average of 996. This rise in scores is paired with an increase in participation, reaching 55% for the class of 2025. Additionally, Georgia’s graduation rate has reached a historic high of 87.2%, marking a substantial improvement in educational outcomes. With top-performing schools across the state, the focus remains on enhancing student engagement while managing the effects of increased participation rates.
Atlanta – Georgia’s public school students have achieved notable academic success, outperforming students nationwide on the SAT for the eighth consecutive year. The class of 2025 recorded a mean SAT score of 1029, which is 33 points higher than the national average for public school students, standing at 996. This achievement is underscored by the students’ scores in two key components: 526 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, exceeding the national average of 508, and 502 in math, surpassing the national average of 488.
Despite these impressive results, there is a cautionary note regarding an increase in participation rates. For the class of 2025, SAT participation rose to 55%, a notable increase from 52% for the class of 2024 and 50% for the class of 2023. This trend suggests a growing interest among students in taking the SAT; however, State School Superintendent Richard Woods indicated that this increase in test-takers can lead to slight drops in average scores, as more students, including those who may perform at lower levels, take the exam.
The mean score of 1029 for the class of 2025 is also one point lower than the mean score achieved by the class of 2024. Nevertheless, the overall academic performance is encouraging, especially with specific districts demonstrating strong outcomes. The Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology excelled as the top public school in Georgia, achieving a remarkable SAT score of 1360. Furthermore, four of the top ten public schools are located in Fulton County, whereas three appear in Forsyth County.
In conjunction with these SAT achievements, Georgia’s graduation rate has reached an all-time high of 87.2% for the class of 2025, up from 85.4% in 2024. This marks a significant improvement from 67.4% in 2011, illustrating ongoing efforts by Georgia’s schools to enhance student engagement and preparedness for post-high school opportunities. More than 60 school districts in Georgia have reported graduation rates exceeding 95%, and 134 districts have achieved rates above 90%.
Education experts have raised concerns regarding the interpretation of state averages, urging caution in making comparisons. The increase in participation rates can correlate with lower average scores due to the inclusion of a broader range of student performances. Nevertheless, the upward trend in both SAT scores and graduation rates highlights the continued dedication of Georgia’s schools to improve educational outcomes.
Key Highlights
- Georgia’s SAT mean score for the class of 2025: 1029
- Nationwide SAT mean score: 996
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score: 526 (Georgia), 508 (Nationwide)
- Math score: 502 (Georgia), 488 (Nationwide)
- Participation rates for the class of 2025: 55%
- Graduation rate for the class of 2025: 87.2%
FAQ
What was the mean SAT score for Georgia’s class of 2025?
The class of 2025 achieved a mean SAT score of 1029.
How does Georgia’s SAT score compare to the national average?
This score is 33 points higher than the national average for public school students, which is 996.
What are the participation rates for Georgia students taking the SAT?
Participation in the SAT for the class of 2025 rose to 55%, up from 52% for the class of 2024.
What is the graduation rate for Georgia’s class of 2025?
The graduation rate for the class of 2025 has reached 87.2%, an all-time high.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Class of 2025 | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Mean SAT Score | 1029 | 996 |
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 526 | 508 |
| Math Score | 502 | 488 |
| Participation Rate | 55% | N/A |
| Graduation Rate | 87.2% | N/A |
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Additional Resources
- WSB TV: Georgia Public School Students Lead Nation SAT Scores
- AJC: Georgia SAT Scores Stay Above National Average
- WTOC: SCCPSS Average SAT Score Increases Exceeding National Average
- Main Street News: Georgia SAT Scores Drop But Remain Higher Than National Average
- Northwest Georgia News: Georgia SAT Scores Drop a Bit But Remain Higher Than National Average
- Wikipedia: SAT
- Google Search: Georgia SAT Scores 2025
- Google Scholar: Georgia SAT Scores 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: SAT
- Google News: Georgia SAT Scores
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
