F.C.’s George Mason High SAT Scores Show Strong Improvement

The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores are record setting for the George Mason High School Class of 2010. In a year when state and national averages remained stagnant, the GMHS scores rose a combined 83 points from 2009 to a school record of 1795.

The next largest single-year jump in FCCPS SAT scores occurred in 2007 when the totals jumped 28 points over the Class of 2006.

“A gain of only 5-10 points would be considered significant,” Superintendent Lois Berlin said. “Our students’ gain of 83 points overall in a single year is exceptional, particularly in light of the larger number of students taking the SAT exams. We are extremely proud of our students.”

Here’s a look at the GMHS SAT scores as well as the state and national averages:

The number of George Mason High School students who took the SAT also increased from 119 in 2009 to 133 in 2010.

“George Mason’s commitment  to higher academic expectation, and open access to rigorous courses, promotes  academic excellence as evidenced by the results,” said George Mason principal Tyron Q. Byrd.

In 2007, the Falls Church City school board began providing PSAT tests to all sophomores and juniors. The compulsory test provides firsthand practice for the SAT and gives students the chance to qualify for National Merit scholarship programs. The SAT remains optional to students, but its popularity has steadily increased since the PSAT tests were implemented.

The George Mason High School Class of 2010 also recorded one of the highest high school graduation rate in the area (97%).   Roughly 89 percent of the GMHS graduates are seeking post-secondary degrees, primarily in 4-year colleges and universities.

In addition to academics, the Class of 2010 also excelled in extracurricular activities, winning a record six Virginia state athletic and scholastic quiz bowl championships.