Benet celebrates record ACT results

It was five years ago that Benet Academy's composite ACT score climbed to 28.0 for the first time - truly rarefied air for any high school.

But if students, teachers, parents and administrators felt that score somehow marked a pinnacle for the Lisle institution, they were wrong.

Instead, Benet has continued to build on that success to the point where this year's graduating seniors scored a composite 28.3 on the ACT's 36-point scale - a record high for the school.

It also marks the fifth straight year students have reached or exceeded the magic 28.0 mark, including their previous record of 28.2 set in 2007.

"We're really thrilled," Principal Steve Marth said Wednesday. "It's a phenomenal score."

To achieve that composite, Benet students scored a 29.4 in English (up from 28.8 last year), 27.9 in math and 28.6 in reading (unchanged from last year), and 26.9 in science (down from 27.0).

Statewide the average composite score was 20.7 and nationally it was 21.1.

All Illinois graduates take the ACT, comprised of tests in English, math, reading and science.

Marth said Benet administrators view the scores - along with numerous other factors - as "indicators that we're meeting our goal of creating lifelong learners."

"At the heart of it, what's most important is the kind of experiences students have in the classroom," he said. "These scores reflect a work ethic of students who are encouraged to do their best and strive for excellence."

The key in building that kind of approach, Marth said, "is that they're supported by parents and wonderful teachers."

Even with Benet's commitment to excellence, Marth admits it will be difficult to sustain that high level of success on the ACTs forever. But with the school year ready to start in less than two weeks, he's hoping to try.

"While we are certainly most proud of our students' accomplishments," he said, "we recognize that this achievement has been a collaborative effort involving talented and hard-working students, outstanding and dedicated teachers, and supportive and encouraging parents."

By the numbers

Benet Academy in Lisle has released its 2008 ACT scores. The scores reflect tests taken by the senior class that graduated this spring.

School totals

Composite: 28.3 (last year: 28.2)

English: 29.4 (28.8)

Mathematics: 27.9 (27.9)

Reading: 28.6 (28.6)

Science: 26.9 (27.0)

State avg. composite: 20.7

National avg. composite: 21.1

Source: Benet Academy