This report shows the average achievement of our graduates who take the ACT. The table reflects the total number of seniors that have taken the test each year for the past five years and their average scores in the tested areas of English, mathematics, reading, and science. Scores are designed to measure the skills needed for success in first-year college coursework. 

Table 1 shows the five-year trend of your ACT-tested graduates. 

Through collaborative research with postsecondary institutions nationwide, ACT has established the following as college readiness benchmark scores for designated college courses. 

A benchmark score is the minimum score needed on an ACT subject-area test to indicate a 50% chance of obtaining a B or higher or about a 75% chance of obtaining a C or higher in the corresponding credit-bearing college courses. 

* English Composition: 18 on ACT English Test 

* College Algebra: 22 on ACT Mathematics Test 

* Social Science: 22 on ACT Reading Test 

* Biology: 23 on ACT Science 

What does this mean for our parents and students?

Since community colleges do not require the ACT for admission, typically the students who complete the ACT are those who go directly from high school into a four-year college or university. Graduates of 2019 scored above the state average in almost every content area and FMCSD graduates are better prepared for success in coursework at the college level than the average student in Iowa. 

What does this say about our High School?

Steadily increasing average scores in all areas over the past five years reflect our ongoing commitment to improving the quality of instruction for all students.