While both Starr's Mill and

McIntosh high school students raised their statewide rankings of SAT scores

in 2002, Fayette County and Sandy Creek high schools plummeted when compared

with other schools across Georgia.

Fayette County High's 2002

average SAT score was 1001 out of a perfect 1600, placing it 74th when

compared to all Georgia high schools. Sandy Creek students scored 1010,

putting it 58th overall. Both scores were still above the state average

of 975, but below the national average of 1012.

In 2001, Fayette High's average

score was 1018, ranking it 48th. Sandy Creek scored an average 1032 that

year, placing it 33rd.

The comparisons were made in

the 2001-2002 Georgia Public Education Report Card, recently released

In 2002, McIntosh's score of

1103 ranked it 6th statewide on the SAT, while Starr's Mill students ranked

13th with a score of 1084. Both schools saw significant increases in SAT

scores from the previous year.

Fayette County High's drop

in SAT score standings came as its enrollment continued to rise dramatically.

At the end of 2002, Fayette High had a student population of 2,208 students,

making it the 18th largest high school in the state. The percentage of

minority students also grew at FCHS last school year, rising to 24.8 percent

of total enrollment.

Overcrowding at the school

is expected to ease somewhat next fall, when Whitewater High School opens

in the LaFayette Education Center across the street, pulling several hundred

ninth graders out of the current FCHS attendance zone.

Both Fayette County and Sandy

Creek high schools held their own when comparing other data, such as passing

rates for the graduation exam, dropouts, and those eligible for the HOPE

scholarship. In nearly every category, all Fayette County schools surpassed

state or national averages.

Melinda Berry-Dreisbach, spokesperson

for Fayette County schools, said administrators at the county level have

taken note of the drop in scores at Fayette County High and are working

to reverse the trend.

"It's been noted and we

are addressing it," she said, without citing specific programs. "We

want to see all our students at all our schools succeed."

To access the Georgia Department

of Education website for detailed information on school performance, go

to: https://accountability.doe.k12.ga.us/Report02/ .

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