Lawrence high school students’ ACT scores exceeded both state and national averages for 2014-15.

Lawrence students, whose average score was 23.6, have scored above state and national averages for the past five years. The average Kansas ACT score for 2014-15 was 21.9 and the national average was 21.0.

The ACT tests students in English, mathematics, reading and science, and is designed to measure skills needed for success in first-year college coursework. Last school year, 463 Lawrence high school students completed ACT testing. Lawrence High School’s average score was 23.3 and Free State High School’s was 23.8.

The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, with 36 being the highest possible score. Average scores for both Lawrence high schools, as well as those at the state and national level, have remained about the same for the past five years.

LHS Principal Matt Brungardt said the comparison to other students is the key element to consider.

“That’s the key to what we look at: How do we compare to kids in the state of Kansas and how do we compare to kids across the U.S.” Brungardt said. “When you look at the trend data, we are in fact preparing our student body to go on to a two-year or four-year institution.”

FSHS Principal Myron Graber said the consistency of the scores speaks to the efforts of the entire district.

“To show that kind of consistency is a tribute in a way to our students, our parents and our faculty,” Graber said. “That’s not just high school faculty — you start developing those proper habits through elementary, middle and high school, and that definitely shows a level of high expectations and quality instruction throughout.”