GHS Class of 2020 sets school mark for highest ACT composite score

The Grafton High School Class of 2020 received the highest ACT composite score average at the school since the exam became a required statewide assessment in 2015, school district officials announced. 

Seniors who took the exam last year as juniors received a 22.8 composite score average, an increase of 0.9 points from the previous year. The score puts Grafton in the top 4% among Wisconsin high schools and fourth among the 10 schools in the North Shore Conference. 

“We are proud of our students from the Class of 2020 and appreciate their dedication to achieving academically at high levels,” Grafton Principal Scott Mantei said. 

“We commend our staff members for setting high expectations for students and for their commitment to meeting the needs of every student every day.”

The ACT is a group of curriculum-based achievement exams designed to measure the academic skills taught in schools and considered important for success in first-year college courses. Scores range from a low of 1 to a high of 36. 

Grafton’s average score for English was 22 (compared to the state average of 18.4); 22.4 (19.4) in math; 23.3 (20) in reading; and 22.8 (19.9) in science. 

The composite score average at other area high schools were 24.1 for Homestead, 23.9 for Cedarburg, 21.2 for Port Washington, 20.7 for Cedar Grove-Belgium and 18.7 for Ozaukee. The state average was 19.6.

Grafton Supt. Jeff Nelson said some of the factors that led to the score increase are teachers infusing ACT-style questions and strategies into their instruction and students using free time to meet with teachers to prepare for the exam. He also said the high school provides an optional ACT test prep course.

“We are proud of the Class of 2020 for receiving our highest junior ACT composite score average in school history,” Nelson said.

“The scores represent the tremendous daily effort of our students, staff and parents working together.”