New Orleans’ Average ACT Score Remains at 17.5 in 2010

The Louisiana Department of Education recently released the ACT results at both the district and school levels for the graduating class of 2010. The scores are an interesting indicator of how well our high schools are preparing their students for college.

The average ACT composite score for all Louisiana public and nonpublic students in 2010 was 20.1, unchanged from last year. The national average ACT composite score actually decreased, from 21.1 in 2008 and 2009 to 21.0 in 2010. ACT scores range from 1-36.

While the average ACT composite score for all public school students in Orleans Parish is relatively high (17.5 in both 2009 and 2010), the average is somewhat weighted by the large numbers of OPSB students taking the exam compared to RSD students. The average ACT composite score for students at RSD high schools increased from 14.8 in 2009 to 15.5 in 2010. RSD charter schools in particular showed incredible growth, improving from 14.8 in 2009 to 16.7 in 2010. OPSB schools saw a slight decrease in their average ACT composite score from 19.1 in 2009 to 19.0 in 2010.

ACT scores in Louisiana are used to determine eligibility for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) awards, which provide free tuition to in-state two- and four-year colleges and universities. A minimum ACT score of 20 is required for four-year schools, while a minimum ACT score of 17 is required for two-year schools. As was the case last year, only two high schools in New Orleans, both with selective admissions policies, had an average ACT score of 20 or higher, while six schools had an average ACT score of 17 or higher.

The chart below includes the number of students taking the ACT and the average ACT scores for every high school in New Orleans in 2010.

2010 Average ACT Scores