The ACT scores of the class of 2016 averaged to a composite score of 24.7, a significant increase from the 24.2 average from 2015. This score is an all-time high for York. For the past five years, York’s average ACT scores have been on the rise, which can be attributed to both the dedication of students and the focused efforts of teachers.

After ACT released the scores for 2016 this past August, the Elmhurst community was thrilled to hear that the average scores for York students exceeded the state average by multiple points.

“These scores show how committed our students are to their own futures and their own investment in their success,” Principal Erin DeLuga said. “Additionally, parents are so supportive, and that makes a world of difference. For our students to set goals for themselves and then be able to have support at home is incredible.”

The guidance of York teachers was also crucial to the success of students in improving their test scores.

“The collaboration work that the teams of teachers have been putting in has allowed [preparing for the ACT] to become a lot more focused,” Assistant Principal Ryan Doherty said. “When teachers get together, they’re not just talking about what they’ve been teaching; they’re actually looking at numbers. By looking at how kids did in the fall last year, they really saw what needed to be hit.”

For the State of Illinois, the average composite score was a 20.8; the average English score was 20.5; the average mathematics score was 20.6; the average reading score was 21.0; and, the average science score was 20.6. For York students, the average composite score was 24.7; the average English score was 24.6; the average mathematics score was 24.8; the average reading score was 24.7, and the average science score was 24.1.

With the shift from the concentration on ACT to the SAT this school year, the Administration has no concerns that York students will not continue to excel despite a new test.

“The SAT has changed its test so that it is more ACT-like, so the skills that are being tested on both tests are very similar,” said Mr. Doherty. “We have a lot of focus on the author’s intent in writing in our English classes, which is what the writing test is for the SAT. It’s a great reinforcement that what we are teaching is valued on that test, so it’s very comfortable for the students to take.”