Atlanta Top Schools
The data provided on this page is formulated from information obtained from the various County School Systems, Georgia Department of Education and the Georgia Public Policy Foundation - an independent think tank.
The individual Elementary and Middle Schools are listed alphabetically. They have made this list because they exceed the standards as set forth by the standardized testing that is required by Georgia Law. The various tests are outlined below.
Elementary and Middle School Tests
Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT)
The CRCT is designed to measure how well students acquire the skills, knowledge and to gauge the quality of education throughout Georgia. Georgia law requires that all students in first through eighth grade take the CRCT. The areas of reading, English/language arts, and math are required for all grades. Starting in third grade and continuing through eighth students are also scored in science and social studies.
CRCT scores are reported as levels. Level I indicates students do not yet meet expectations. Students scoring at Level 2 meet the state’s expectations of being on grade level, and students at Level 3 exceed expectations, or are above grade level. Scores are reported by the percent of students in a school scoring at or above grade level. For example, if a school has a score of 87 on Grade 3 math, it means that 87 percent of third graders scored at Level 2 or Level 3 (at or above grade level) in that subject.
Iowa Test of Basic Skills
Georgia law (O.C.G.A., Section 20-2-281) mandates that a nationally norm-referenced test be administered, annually, to students in grades three, five, and eight. The purpose of the norm-referenced test (NRT) is to obtain information about how the performance of Georgia’s students compare with that of students in a national sample, an external reference group. The results of an NRT are used for evaluation, decision-making, and instructional improvement. The law mandates that such testing include reading, mathematics, science, and social studies.
The scores are reported in percentiles and show how students compared with other students across the nation. For example, if a percentile score was 66, that school achieved a score that was as high as or higher than 66 percent of the other schools in the nation.
High School Tests
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
The SAT measures verbal and mathematics reasoning skills students have developed over time and skills they need to be successful academically. Many colleges and universities use the SAT I as one indicator among others to a student’s readiness to do college-level work.
ACT Assessment
The ACT Assessment is designed to assess high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Composite scores are the average of the four test scores rounded to the nearest whole number.
Advanced Placement
The Advanced Placement (AP) program is designed to provide college credit and appropriate placement to high school students who have successfully completed college-level course work. AP courses offer students more rigorous coursework and additional academic challenges. In many cases, if a student scores a 3 or higher on an AP test they can receive college credit for the course.
How you choose to use this information is entirely up to you. There are other tests and indicators of school performance which you may choose to use in making decisions regarding your child´s education.
