Lake Zurich ACT scores continue to inch up

For the fourth consecutive year ACT scores have risen at Lake Zurich High School, and the recent graduating class hit a district record.

The Class of 2010, which took the test in the 2009-10 school year, earned a composite score of 24 out of a possible 36. The Illinois ACT average high school score is 20.7 and national average is 21.0.

Lake Zurich Unit District 95 Superintendent Mike Egan said the scores are indicative of the commitment of students, teachers and administrators to create continuous learners.

"It's a testament to the students and the faculty, not only at the high school but across the district," said Egan, who is serving his second year as superintendent. "The kids through the district get a solid educational base through elementary and high school."

A total 530 Lake Zurich High School students took the ACT, which consists of questions in English, mathematics, reading and science and an optional writing test. The ACT, or American College Testing, is designed to measure the skills needed for success in first year college coursework.

Lake Zurich's composite ACT score in 2007 was 22.8; 23.7 in 2008; 23.9 in 2009 and 24 in 2010.

Lake Zurich High School Principal Kim Kolze said each year they try to prepare students for the ACT. Their strategies include reading programs timed to offer maximum benefit for kids taking the ACT, as well as offering a Prairie State Achievement Exam review where each day the students study a different test area including math, reading and science.

Kolze said last year was the first the school added this and it was well received.

"Since scores went up, I'd like to think it's a program that helped the scores go up," she said.