News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cookeville High School’s average ACT score is increasing, meaning more grant and scholarship opportunities for students.
Executive Principal Max Petett said the number increased because of the several tools they provide students with to prep for the test, including ACT prep courses and after-school learning programs. Petett said they do their best to have their students succeed in standardized tests.
“We believe and have a philosophy at Cookeville High School that the ACT is the most important test they take in their career,” Petett said. “The reason being is because there is money associated to it. It creates opportunities for where kids can go and what kids can do.”
Petett said it’s extremely hard to increase that number, and that the increase has been gradual. They currently sit at an average of 21, which Petett called the magic number for scholarship and funding opportunities. For the class of 2022, they aim to increase that number to 22.
Petett said to continue increasing the average score, they plan on making a school-wide effort when it comes to ACT scores. This means having all faculty have a part in ACT prep courses at various times throughout the year.
“One thing I think Mr. King wants us all to be aware of and making sure we’re doing this, the faculty and staff take ownership of the ACT score and getting buy-ins from everybody,” Petett said. “So this upcoming year we’re going to have everybody from our P.E. teachers to pre-calc teachers working on ACT prep.”
Petett said last year they had three of their seniors receive a perfect score on the ACT, and had over 38 students score at least a 30.
