Scores make OCHS the top-ranking public high school in
Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem Counties
With double-digit increases in both reading and math, Ocean City High School (OCHS) students scored an average 1131 out of 1600 on the newly-redesigned SAT, besting the state average of 1075 by 56 points. This score places OCHS at the top of all public schools in Region 7, which includes Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem Counties.
According to school officials, not only did student scores increase, but participation was also up with 63% of OCHS students taking the SAT as opposed to the statewide average of 51%.
“Traditionally, increased participation often results in a drop in overall scores, and that was obviously not the case here. I applaud our students’ success, which is a testament to the dedication of our entire team,” said Curt A. Nath, director of academic services for the Ocean City Public School District.
On this year’s SAT, students at OCHS earned an average math score of 562, a 3.3% increase from last year’s average score of 544, and a full 24 points higher than state average of 538. In reading, the average score of 569 is an 8.79% increase over last year’s average score of 523, and 32 points higher than the state average of 537.
“We have done a lot of work to ensure our teachers integrate SAT strategies into our everyday coursework, and I am pleased to see those efforts paying off,” said Matt Jamison, principal of OCHS. Jamison went on to note that 88% of the school’s students exceeded the benchmark in reading and writing, and 65% exceed the benchmark in math, as compared to 71% and 53% at the state level.
“This is just one measure of achievement, but it’s a signal that more students are prepared for the future, and that’s something to celebrate,”noted Dr. Kathleen Taylor, Superintendent of the Ocean City School District.
About the redesigned SAT
The College Board made content, format, and scoring changes to the SAT in 2016. The changes were designed to make the assessment more straightforward and connected to classroom learning. Some of the changes reflected in the new SAT include a shift in top score from 2400 back to 1600, removing the guessing penalty, and prioritizing content that reflects the kind of reading and math students will encounter in college and their future work lives.
