The average SAT scores of students attending Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Hartford are above both the State of Connecticut and the national average in all three tested areas, according to Dale R. Hoyt, Superintendent of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese.

“We are happy to announce that this continues a legacy of high testing data in our schools which speaks to the academic excellence we offer,” said Mr. Hoyt.

Significant differences are reflected in the scores for math, critical reading and for writing.  In the spring of 2009, high school students in the Catholic high schools of the Archdiocese of Hartford scored an average of 526 in critical reading, compared to the Connecticut average of 503 and the national average of 496.  In the area of math, Catholic secondary students earned an average of 518 ahead of the state average of 508 and the national score of 510. 

The average score of Catholic high school students in writing was 530 relative to the state score of 506 and the national score of 487.  In addition, 77% of the Catholic high school students taking the SAT’s scored higher than 600 on at least one subtest, a score considered to be above average and preferable for choice college admissions.

According to Superintendent Hoyt, “The scores reflect the emphasis placed on academic innovation and the standards-based curriculum offered in our schools.  Students are challenged to achieve at their highest potential and given the instructional support to do so.”

The high school SAT scores complement the testing data produced by the Catholic elementary schools where the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) is administered.  The ITBS test is administered in the seventh month of each school year, and a minimum of one grade level of growth is expected each year.

  Students taking the test consistently score grade equivalents one to two years beyond expectations, producing increasingly greater growth with each cumulative grade.  For example, this spring seventh graders scored at the level of ninth graders in the fifth month of the year.

“Although testing data is only one measure of educational quality, we are proud that our scores, on the secondary and elementary levels, demonstrate the exceptional academic preparation that Catholic school students experience. 

A Catholic school education certainly gives students an advantage as they prepare for college and for future career success,” said Mr. Hoyt.