Fulton County school officials were jubilant this week when the Scholastic

Aptitude Test results were released. The overall score increase from 2003

state belong to Fulton County high schools.

The 2004 increase marks the 11th consecutive year that Fulton has improved

its overall scores. Over the past five years alone, Fulton has increased

its mean score by 40 points.

"Our SAT scores continue to climb and show improvement at nearly every

high school," said Superintendent Michael Vanairsdale. "I am particularly

impressed with the gains in south Fulton � three schools improved their scores

a collective 50 points. This shows that Fulton is making progress in closing

the achievement gap and that our preparation programs are working."

Ten of Fulton's 13 high schools increased their overall score. Four

schools experienced an increase of 10 points or more in the mean verbal score

and eight schools experienced an increase of 10 points or more in the mean

math score.

During the last five years, Creekside High School has been on a roller coaster

when it comes to SAT scores. In 2000, the school had an average score of

845, but saw the score drop in 2001 to 834. The school had its best showing

in 2002 when the score jumped to 872, but it fell to 856 in 2003. This year's

score was 868.